RESIDENTS of several Hanover communities, on Jamaica's west end, are being forced to drink untreated water because of a severe drought that has been affecting the parish. A story in yesterday's edition of the Observer West, a weekly publication of the Jamaica Observer, highlighted the residents' plight. Of course, it has elicited some reaction from our online readers. Below are some comments:

Best-government: The picture shows poor people; and all the mentioned areas are all diehard comrade places. Their faith and support have never wavered over the many, many years. Is it that they are not deserving of the service or is it too complex? [Is it] impossible and too expensive to provide them with the service? Or, could it simple mean that they do not count?

Leonard Grant Snr: Think of people's need.

Tyroneosborne: The MP (member of parliament) who represents that area cyaan lose, even if dem nuh have no water for years and years. Just figure it all out now. Only if Moses comes back from the dead and strike the rock will some people get water now.

Yonique Everstrong Fairclough: Thank you, Jamaica Observer, for listening to my cry and find it worthy to investigate. I wish the National Water Commission was as reliable as our little Thatch Walk Spring and the Observer. I knew all the answers to the questions before they were even asked, because we heard them before. What bothers me is the nonchalant behaviour of the MP, always missing in action, even for a comment. SMH. It's there for the world to see. Thanks again.