ST JAMES, Jamaica – Work is well advanced to improve potable water supplied across St James southern, with a number of projects underway to bring the precious commodity to thousands of residents.

The announced was made by Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (West) and Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Homer Davis, who indicated that the projects total more than $800 million.

He was making his contribution to the 2024/25 Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Davis noted that work has commenced on the Endeavour Water Supply System by the National Water Commission (NWC) and is “progressing satisfactorily”.

“On completion of this project, the residents of Barnett Bush, Springfield, Hampton, Mount Horeb, Fern, Plum and adjoining communities will see a flow of potable water back into their pipelines. The storage facility in Barnett Bush will also be rehabilitated to facilitate the distribution of the commodity to the communities I have named,” he informed.

In addition, the procurement process has begun for the Tangle River/Roper Water Supply System, which is being upgraded.

“New pipelines are also to be laid in areas that have never received piped water. Additionally, old pipelines will be replaced in areas such as Tangle River, Maldon, Summer Hill, Flamstead Gardens, Maroon Town, Garlands, German Town, Top Roper, Bottom Roper, Dundee and other areas. This was made possible earlier this year through a $53-million allocation made by the Prime Minister [ Andrew Holness],” the MP informed.

Holness had also announced a $19-million allocation for the Spring Garden water supply.

This will entail the installation of a solar pumping system, improvement of the storage capacity by 10,000 gallons and the extension of pipelines to connect into the existing pipeline along the Kensington to Point main road. Other off roads will also be impacted.

Davis also announced that the Cambridge treatment facility is slated for major upgrading, which will include the replacement of pipes, installation of new pumps and modification of the intake and filtration system.

“I take this opportunity to call on the NWC to work overtime so that the residents can benefit from this facility in [the] soonest possible time,” he urged.

Meanwhile, Davis informed that works have essentially been completed on the Lapland Water Supply System, which saw a 20,000-gallon storage tank being constructed for the Lapland area in Catadupa.

Consequently, the districts of Lapland and Belfont, along with the Catadupa Primary School and adjoining areas will enjoy an efficient distribution of potable water in short order, he further indicated.

“This system will be solar powered. Residents of the named communities should [now] be receiving water,” Davis added.

Work has also commenced on the Shettlewood to Anchovy system, which will see water being sourced in Hanover and channelled to Anchovy in St James.

“This is a project at a cost of a little over $600 million, the first of its kind to be undertaken in the constituency of St James Southern. I take this opportunity to thank the implementing agency – the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), the National Water Commission (NWC), and Contraxx Enterprises Limited for their role in this massive project,” the MP said.

Upon completion, more than 6,000 residents in the communities of Mount Carey, York Bush, Carey Village, Cotton Tree Heights, Anchovy, Anchovy Meadows, Anchovy Estate, Roehampton, Marl Road, Mahogany, Lawson and other areas will benefit.

“I want to assure the constituency… that I am aware of the challenges they have been struggling with over the many years, with little or no water in their pipes. I have made representation and taken steps to alleviate this problem. Work is well advanced to improve your water supply,” Davis stressed.

–          JIS