Water woes close UTech ...

The University of Technology (UTech) has announced it is suspending classes today as a result of increasing difficulty in providing ample water to its Papine campus. The campus has been without piped water for the past four days.

"The decision has, therefore, been taken to suspend classes on the Papine campus on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, to enable the university administration to put in place arrangements to keep the plant open," the UTech stated in a release. Normal classes will resume tomorrow.

Senior administrative management, support and ancillary staff are, however, required to be present to assist with the planning and execution of alternative arrangements.

... UWI remains open

The University of the West Indies, (UWI) Mona, also said it had been experiencing very low water pressure because of existing drought conditions across Jamaica, as well as low water flows into the catchment areas which normally supply the institution.

As a result, the campus has instituted a number of measures to deal with the situation.

"Water is being trucked to critical areas, including the health centre and halls of residence," the UWI said in a release.

"Arrangements are being made to provide water storage and pumping facilities across the campus. Portable toilets are being obtained to alleviate the problem in critical/strategic locations until the tanks and pumping facilities can be put in place. These will be placed in the faculties, halls of residence, and administrative areas."

"After careful consideration of the situation, the university has concluded that neither suspension of classes nor closure of the institution is warranted at this time. However, subject to the dictates of their curriculum, students are encouraged to stay away from the campus unless this is absolutely necessary," read the release from the Office of the Campus Registrar.