Dear Editor,

Jamaica has a water-harvesting and distribution problem. We are blessed with almost constant rainfall in some parishes and yet we can’t seem to quench our collective thirst.

The Jamaica Labour Party has spoken of privatising the National Water Commission (NWC) and, instead, outsourcing the job of water management to foreign companies. I say that is madness! We have seen how private companies operate with utilities and the outcomes are far from satisfactory. At times it’s the same shoddy treatment for an increase in the price.

No, what we need is heavy public sector investment in water, where our existing system is upgraded and areas currently out of the reach of the NWC can be connected. Following on from that we should construct at least two more dams, with one being on the north coast.

All of this can and should be done by the State. Water is a national priority, as we can’t live without water; the State should spare no expense in resolving this issue.

Not all debt is bad. If the money borrowed is used wisely, it may well be worth it.

In fact, any money invested in water efficiency and system upgrade would pay for itself in the medium to long term, as we would see increased output in farming as they would no longer have to worry about water. Along with farming, the general public would benefit, as they would also be getting regular water supply, and that means more money for the NWC that could be used to repay the debts incurred.

While that is ongoing, legislation must be passed that ensures that any new building, commercial or residential, has water-harvesting technology so that they can ease the burden on the NWC in times of drought.

Placing water and housing under the Office of the Prime Minister is an interesting move and could be revolutionary. If placed on the front burner we could see immediate action, as I believe that is something the new Opposition would have no problem supporting.

Let us hope that this doesn’t end in the usual manner, as the nation simply can’t take it.

Alexander Scott

alexanderwj.scott@gmail.com