THE Japanese Government handed over a rainwater harvesting system worth over $2 million to Iris Gelly Primary School in Kingston on October 3, through the Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects, which will now allow students to have sufficient access to water.

Prior to the commencement of the project, the students and staff had insufficient access to safe and adequate water, especially during the period of drought that was recently experienced across sections of the island.

Deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica Shotoku Habukawa said that with the reliable water harvesting system in place, the students at Iris Gelly Primary will now spend less time outside of classes trying to get water.

“This project will have a lasting impact for future generations of students and the community will also have an improved school environment with better water catchment resources and infrastructure,” he added.

“Students, as you all know very well, water is a vital resource for our lives. Water is necessary for growing food, energy production, individual well-being, and global health. One core vision that Japan has for our own Japanese citizens, as well as Jamaicans and many other citizens globally, is the hope for a world where everyone enjoys the lasting benefits of safe water,” he said.

He also thanked the National Education Trust and all the other stakeholders who played a part in making the rainwater harvesting project a reality for Iris Gelly Primary School, while adding that the Japanese Embassy will continue to co-operate with the people and Government of Jamaica to meet its development targets for the country.