ST JAMES, Jamaica — The community of Jackson Town in Trelawny is set to experience a significant improvement in its water supply through a new $70-million government initiative.

While addressing a community meeting on Monday, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda revealed that the project will commence on December 1.

He said the project aims to address long-standing issues with the town’s water distribution system.

The existing two-inch main pipeline is inadequate for the growing population and is plagued by leaks, according to the minister, resulting in more than 60 per cent of the “precious commodity” being lost before reaching consumers.

“So, to deal with the two-inch pipe issue, which is 2.5 kilometres long, we are going to change the two-inch pipe in Jackson Town to a six-inch pipe. That will manage the size population increase that you have,” Samuda explained.

“We’re going to run the six-inch pipe from Barnstaple, which is your source of water, into Jackson Town. There will be no downgrade or pressure reduction,” he added.

The National Water Commission (NWC) will be spearheading the initiative and has already started the procurement process for the new ductile iron pipes which should last for the next 30 years.

“Also, it is going to be NWC in-house staff that will install your pipes, meaning the best plumbers that sign off everybody else’s work are going to come do the work personally,” Samuda said.

In the meantime, plans are in place to expand and modernise the Martha Brae system as well as to construct a lift station that is to provide Jackson Town and its environs additional water supply.

Resident, Pauline White, engages in a community meeting in Jackson Town, Trelawny, on August 19. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda, hosted the meeting. (Photo: JIS/ Okoye Henry)

Samuda noted that this phase of the project is expected to take a year to complete.

In the interim, the Social Development Commission (SDC) has been tasked with assessing the community’s water tank requirements. A substantial tank distribution programme will then be rolled out to ensure residents can store water delivered by trucks.

Additionally, efforts will be made to support rainwater harvesting by providing materials for guttering.

A resident of Jackson Town, Ann Dalrymple-Fearon, expressed her relief about the upcoming improvements, noting that the lack of water has severely impacted daily life and business operations in the community.

She underscored that the new water supply will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also make the area more appealing to potential property buyers.

“I feel very happy, and it is a really positive step forward in getting water,” Dalrymple-Fearon said.

— JIS