JACKSON TOWN, Trelawny — Member of Parliament (MP) for Trelawny Southern Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert has expressed disappointment at the delay in the start of work on the Quashie River Water project in the Freeman’s Hall area of her constituency, for which ground was broken sometime ago.

Addressing a function last Friday at which minister with responsibility for water Matthew Samuda announced two major water supply projects to be completed by the National Water Commission (NWC) in the constituency, Dalrymple-Philibert questioned the reason for the delay in the Quashie River project.

“I am using this opportunity to say to you, inasmuch as we are thankful for this [Jackson Town] water scheme, there is the Quashie River project that this Government broke ground for; that they have dug up the roads in Freeman’s Hall.

“The Government has laid the pipes in Freeman’s Hall and we had a big celebration for the breaking ground of the Quashie River project, and we have moved no further. This is why I commend this minister for implementing what he has promised,” said Dalrymple-Philibert.

She noted that upon completion, the Quashie River project will serve thousands of residents in the communities of Freeman’s Hall, Ulster Spring, Albert Town, Cotton Tree Allside, St Vincent Burnt Hill, Rock Spring, and Lodging, among others.

In his response, Samuda hinted that Prime Minister Andrew Holness would shed light on recommencement of the Quashie River project during his visit to the constituency in the next three months.

“I expect, because some announcements cost more than others Madam MP, I expect that we will level out the third investment when the prime minister is here and he will be able to speak to this and you know we not speaking without timelines and start dates,” said Samuda.

“So I will allow the prime minister that particular investment because that is a part of what is known as the CDB Rural Water Upgrade Project which will see some $5 billion invested into rural communities right across the length and breadth of Jamaica and I believe that announcement is appropriate to come from the…prime minister, but it is not empty announcements,” added Samuda.

Earlier Samuda announced the two projects that are expected to impact some 8,000 residents in south Trelawny.

Samuda made the announcement in Jackson Town last Friday, during the ground-breaking ceremony for a project being undertaken by the NWC, which is expected to serve 2,500 residents.

“These two projects will see your Government invest a total of $500 million into the water supply for the people of south Trelawny. It’s a major, major investment and one that we are not going to be shy about,” Samuda announced.

He said within three months the first phase of the $250-million Jackson Town project is expected to be completed, at which time Holness will break ground for the upgrading of the lift station.

Samuda disclosed that on the same day the prime minister breaks ground for the lift station upgrade, he will also break ground for a second $250-million project, this time, the running of pipelines from Warsop to Green Town.

“I also made a commitment for the commencement of works for the Warsop to Green Town pipeline. The pipes are in Jamaica, they have been purchased and delivered ladies and gentlemen. We are doing the procurement for the works now. When the prime minister comes here he will break ground, not only for the lift station for this system, he will break ground on that pipeline to commence a two-month project,” Samuda disclosed.

The Jackson Town Pipeline Project will improve water supply and distribution to Jackson Town, Barnstable, Biddeford, Bottom Common, Grove, First Hill, Stewart Town, and other areas.

The project is expected to be completed within three months and will involve the laying of 1.5 kilometres of 150-millimetre ductile iron pipe from the Barnstable Well to Jackson Town Square.

Additionally, 500 metres of replacement distribution main will be installed along the project area.

The project also includes upgrading Jackson Town’s 20,000-gallon water tank to 100,000-gallon capacity, as well as undertaking improvements to a lift station.