Upgraded St Ann water treatment plant to supply 6 million gallons daily
THE refurbished Bogue water treatment plant in St Ann North-East was officially commissioned into service earlier this month following the completion of a $467-million project which was rolled out under the Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Project (JWSIP).
The rehabilitated plant, which has a production capacity of six million gallons of water per day, is the main source of potable drinking water for thousands of people in Ocho Rios, as well as the entire Northern Coastal belt from St Ann North-East to Western and St Mary Central.
Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Robert Pickersgill who was addressing the official opening ceremony, said supplying water to rural communities has the potential to significantly benefit the country’s economic and social development.
“This project, designed to restore the plant to its original condition and treatment capacity, is one of several that have been undertaken in St Ann by our water agencies, the National Water Commission and Rural Water Supply Limited, to ensure a reliable supply of potable water to the residents of the parish (and beyond),” Pickersgill said.
He pointed out that upgrading the water supply would attract new businesses, resulting in increased employment for citizens, a reduction in the migration of people from rural to urban areas and a reduction in the health risks associated with the consumption of inadequately treated water.
The minister urged the citizens to play their part in protecting and safeguarding the facilities from vandalism and abuse, as well as ensuring that all water bills are paid on time.
“My ministry and its agencies are determined and continue to work hard to increase the availability of potable water for all Jamaicans, to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of this country and in the process, achieve the goal of making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business,” he said.
” However, we cannot do it alone. We need the help of citizens, customers and indeed every Jamaican to ensure that we can continue to supply the water needs of the nation,” Pickersgill emphasised.
The minister said there are customers who are not paying their bills and that has to stop.
“We cannot supply you with water of the highest quality unless you pay for it … whether you are rich, poor or in-between, if you receive water you must pay your water bill,” he said.
