Lydford Mining brings crucial support to St Ann schools amid water scarcity

Lydford Mining Company, with its plant based in Golden Grove, St Ann, has been providing vital support to four local schools, particularly with the most recent drought exacerbating water scarcity in the area.

As a result of the drought, Lydford has drawn on its internal resources to truck water to the rural institutions, with the most recent donation taking place earlier this month at Camperdown Primary & Infant School.

Principal Traci Russell-Sewell, of Camperdown Primary & Infant School, provided insights into the drought’s impact on the school community.

“Before Lydford Mining came into our lives, the dry season weighed heavily on our operations,” she shared. “We faced the reality of early school closures due to the lack of access to water. As a principal, I found myself resorting to desperate measures, using my car to transport scores of bottles of water to the school premises, all while witnessing precious class time slipping away.”

The absence of running water not only poses immediate challenges to maintaining basic hygiene standards but also impedes critical educational initiatives.

Russell-Sewell said, “The implications of a lack of running water extend far beyond hygiene concerns. Our efforts to cultivate a vegetable garden, aimed at providing hands-on learning experiences for our students, were continually hindered by the water scarcity.”

In response to the school’s plight, Lydford Mining has extended a helping hand. Through the efforts of truck drivers Kenmar Williams and Adrian Siddon, the company has donated approximately 1,998 gallons of water, equivalent to nearly $2.4 million in costs absorbed by Lydford, to schools in the community.

Russell-Sewell expressed her gratitude for the efforts of the Lydford team, who ensured the school had water for reopening in January. She remarked, “Through their actions, Lydford Mining sets a remarkable example of corporate responsibility, demonstrating that true citizenship involves not just giving, but giving with heart and compassion.”

Operations Manager Jase Millington underscored the company’s ethos of community partnership, stating, “We understand that the success of our business is tied to the well-being of the communities we serve. Ensuring access to water for educational purposes and sanitation is not just a responsibility but a fundamental aspect of our commitment to community welfare.”

Russell-Sewell expressed gratitude to Lydford Mining, stating, “Their commitment extends beyond the provision of water. Through their proactive efforts to enhance the school’s infrastructure and safety, they have created a safer and more conducive learning environment for our students. Lydford Mining’s unwavering support has not only alleviated the burden of water scarcity but has also empowered our school community to thrive amid adversity.”

In addition to Camperdown Primary & Infant School, Lydford Mining has extended its support to Golden Grove Primary, Beecher Town Primary, and Golden Grove Basic School.