ST MARY, Jamaica — People’s National Party (PNP) representative for St Mary South East, Christopher Brown has sounded the alarm for what he has described as a severe water shortage that has persisted for over two months particularly in Belfield, Richmond, and Annotto Bay.

According to Brown, mechanical and electrical failures in the region’s water supply systems have left communities with inconsistent and inadequate access to clean water, creating a crisis that demands immediate attention.

Brown noted that the National Water Commission (NWC) pointed to mechanical issues at the Highgate pump which have taken the facility offline for repairs, cutting off a critical supply line to key areas including Belfield and Richmond. Compounding the problem, an electrical failure at another pump in Annotto Bay has left large sections of the constituency without reliable water access, it added.

“Richmond, Belfield, Annotto Bay, and surrounding areas are in desperate need of immediate assistance,” Brown said. “This is not just an inconvenience, it’s a full-blown crisis that is severely impacting daily life and public health. The affected residents have been patient but the situation has now become untenable. The authorities must act without delay to restore a consistent and reliable water supply to these communities.”

Brown said the prolonged lack of water has left households and businesses in distress, disrupting daily routines, endangering hygiene and posing significant health risks.

He said residents are demanding swift action from the NWC and relevant government agencies to expedite repairs and provide relief.

Brown added that while immediate repairs are essential, a sustainable, long-term solution must also be prioritised to prevent recurring disruptions in the future.