Students of the Iris Gelly Primary School in Kingston, Jamaica now have access to more water, through the National Education Trust (NET), in partnership with the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project.

Under the

project, a rainwater harvesting system has been installed at the school,

providing a sustainable supply of water for the students and staff at the

institution.

It was

undertaken with a grant from the Government of Japan, valued at $2.2 million,

and funding by the Government of approximately $1 million. The scope of the

work included   plumbing, the installation

of water tanks and a pump.

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]

Rain Water Harvesting – a possible solution to our water woes[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Jamaicans urged to conserve water daily[/naviga:li][/naviga:ul]

The  Project seeks to promote education and health

by improving sanitary conditions in more than 300 schools across the island,

through the installation of water harvesting and sanitation systems to ensure

that children,  four to 12 years of age, have

access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitary toilet and handwashing

facilities; and to minimise exposure to mosquito infestation.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Southern, Mark Golding, lauded the partnership.

“The idea of

promoting the efficient and safe use and harnessing of natural resources in an

environmentally sustainable way is a lovely and timely one. I want to thank the

Government and people of Japan for their vision and the useful way in which

they provide assistance to the developing world,” he said.

Director, Donor and Partnership Management, NET, Latoya Harris, said the Project seeks to ensure that students are provided with the basic amenities that positively impact and improve the education sector.

Deputy Head of

Mission, Embassy of Japan, Shotoku Habukawa, said with a reliable water

harvesting system in place, the project will have a lasting impact for future

generations of students, and the community will have an improved school

environment.

“The Government

of Japan has purposefully put our focus on providing assistance to Jamaica’s

education, health and water sectors, because it is our strong belief that all persons

should be protected and empowered,” he said.

For her part,

Principal of Iris Gelly Primary, Veronica Gaynor, said since the system was

installed a month ago, the school environment has been significantly improved

for both students and staff.

“The ancillary

workers and the children are relieved because they can now come to school and

get clean water. It has been good for us and we envisage that it will continue

for the future,” she said.