KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesman on Water and Housing Dr Horace Chang is calling on Minister of Water Robert Pickersgill to ensure money is found immediately, to clear the intake pipes at the Martha Brae and Great River plants, to restore water supply to the people of Montego Bay, St James.

In a press release, Thursday, Chang said, “Between 2007 and 2011 we spent some J$5 billion to ensure that the treatment capacity of Martha Brea and Great River is adequate, with a capacity to process 24 million gallons per day. So the water is there, but every time it rains, the intake points become blocked and the Government has put no system or resources in place to clear them quickly so that water reaches the city.”

Chang added that it is a disgrace that having been provided two of the most modern plants in Jamaica, the current Government has been “derelict” in its duty.  

He explained: “Some communities in the resort city go without water for up to two weeks.  During droughts, Montego Bay has water, but whenever it rains, water goes for weeks. Not only are the residents suffering badly, but we cannot build a competitive tourism product with this sort of management. This is unjust and short-sighted and must be corrected”.

The Opposition spokesman reiterated that the minister must take immediate steps to maintain the intake system, as enough water is there to meet the people’s needs.