KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Government to immediately make additional sums available to put Municipal Corporations across the island in a better position to respond to urgent drought conditions.

The Opposition said it has made note of the update provided by the Government in relation to the extreme heat and drought conditions in some parishes, however reports being received suggest that the situation is more acute and widespread than was described.

The party, in a release today, said it is aware of the allocation of $30 million to Municipal Corporations of St Catherine, Clarendon, St Elizabeth, St Mary and Portland, but other areas are in need of assistance.

It said the Government is yet to respond to a resolution passed by the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation in May 2018, requesting assistance because the one water truck it owned was unreliable and unable to meet the water demands of residents.

The party also argued that while the St Ann Parish Council has only one truck, which is reported to be out of service, many of the parish tanks are now empty, the party continued. 

Spokesperson on Local Government Dr Angela Brown Burke urged Members of Parliament to submit an estimate of what may be needed to satisfy the demands.

“Further, we ask all Municipal Corporations to meet urgently to review the situation in the Municipality,” she said, noting that where Members of Parliament and councillors are not from the same political party, it will require greater care and collaboration.

“Let’s not fail our citizens. Let’s grasp the opportunity for MPs and councillors to work together, as elected leaders, to provide water to residents for basic needs,” Brown Burke added.