THE Government has allocated an initial sum of $50 million to immediately begin trucking water to sections of the island worst affected by the present drought.

Minister with responsibility for water, Matthew Samuda, made the announcement Thursday as he addressed the commissioning of a water storage tank in York Town, Clarendon.

“According to the Met Office, the period December to March is regarded as Jamaica’s dry season where the island traditionally receives its lowest amounts of rainfall,” noted Samuda.

“To address this, under the directive of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, we will develop a national programme, engage in national public education, and an emergency response will be activated so that we remain ahead of the drought.

“We will not be reactive but proactive,” added Samuda as he urged Jamaicans to be aware and monitor closely any leaks. Most importantly, we are urging you to implement conservation methods to safeguard the limited supply,” added Samuda as he pointed out that the National Water Commission (NWC) has already warned that there will be lock-offs and less than regular supply to some communities.

“An integrated and targeted approach is required at all levels — international, regional, and national, as well as at the parish and community levels — to tackle this national issue as we brace for water shortages and management plans,” Samuda declared.

He pointed to a December 2022 report from the Meteorological Service Jamaica which showed that all parishes experienced rainfall levels below their respective 30-year average and urged residents of York Town and surrounding communities to practise conservation measures even if they are not feeling the impact of the drought.

“While Clarendon has not been placed in the red zone as it relates to rainfall, currently we are experiencing a meteorological drought. We are at a point where inflows are below outflows and we are seeing depletions, which we will have to tackle head-on,” said Samuda.

“Citizens, businesses, and especially our farmers are being urged to brace for possible disruptions in water supply, including lower water pressures, adjustments in the current water supply regulations, and no water conditions in the areas that are worst affected,” added Samuda.

He also pointed out that the NWC has indicated that despite intermittent showers in some areas, the water inflows at two of the entity’s largest facilities, the Mona Reservoir and the Hermitage Dam, and several rural parish systems are declining.

The York Town facility, done by the NWC, is a glass-fused to steel bolted tank with a storage capacity of 50,000 US gallons.

It was done at a cost of approximately $22 million and more than 600 residents are expected to benefit from it.

“This project is right on time, and this investment, ladies, and gentlemen, is an investment in you, the residents of York Town, Howells Content, Bullards Content, Hopewell, Parnassus, Denbigh Drive, Foga Road, and Four Paths Settlement. While these areas are generally served on a 24/7 basis, the installation of this tank will see greater efficiency in water supply reliability and quality from the network,” said Samuda.

He pointed out that the York Town project forms part of the NWC’s Tank and Pump Rehabilitation for Operational Efficiency Improvement Programme, which involved the procurement of 33 tanks that cost approximately $600 million.

“Since my appointment, I can attest to the number of capital works and investments that have been made by the NWC in its bid to serve the Jamaican population. For that, the entire team led by President Mark Barnett should be commended, as the utility company has been increasing its footprint across the island.

“This I would say, ladies and gentlemen, is a step in the right direction for the Government in its bid to provide universal access to potable water by 2030,” said Samuda.