Opposition concerned about 'shifting plans' for water improvement project in Western Jamaica

Opposition Spokesman on Water, Ian Hayles, says the "shifting plans" for the proposed water improvement project in Western Jamaica have raised doubts about the overall project.

He is calling for clarity on the matter from the minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda.

In a media release on Wednesday, Hayles said Samuda has announced a US$209 million project starting with the laying of over 60 kilometres of pipeline from Martha Brae in Trelawny to Great River in St James for Phase 1. Samuda also mentioned that Phase 2 will run another 60 kilometres of pipeline from Rusea's High School into the west end of Negril. 

However, he argues that the original proposal was to lay 32 kilometres of pipes from the Roaring River in Westmoreland to the interior and west end of Negril.

He asserts that the revised plans will see residents in Negril who are depending on the National Water Commission having to wait five years to get water.

“The well-being of residents must be prioritised above all else, and effective, sustainable solutions must be implemented without further delay," Hayles says.

He says sourcing water from Rusea's High School to Negril entails a longer journey with potential obstacles due to increased development along the route. He says this raises further concerns that the solution may not adequately address future water demands.

Hayles is proposing a shorter route from the Roaring River to Negril, which he says is more cost-effective and would cut the project timeline in half.

He is calling for Samuda to provide transparent timelines for the water project and to reconsider the approach to addressing the water shortage in Western Jamaica.

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