PORT ANTONIO, Portland — The National Water Commission (NWC) and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the installation of a $22-million lift station at Carder Park in Port Antonio.

This will facilitate the removal of sewage from the park’s complex and Port Antonio Craft Village, directing the effluent to the Anchovy Wastewater Treatment Plant.

According to minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Matthew Samuda, who handles water-related issues, this is the first of a two-phased project.

“We will continue the expansion of our sewage and wastewater projects across townships in the length and breadth of Jamaica; some are small, some are large. We are deploying capital at a faster rate, investing in potable water, irrigation systems and, importantly, wastewater systems [more] than ever before,” said Samuda.

He pointed out that of the $22 billion committed for work on water projects this year, $10.7 billion, was provided from the consolidated fund to NWC for its capital works programme. He spoke of more work that will be done after the September 3 General Election.

“We expect more in supplementary budget after a particular event comes up, which includes significant work by the National Works Agency of approximately $5 billion dollars through SPARK (Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network). We are making sure we don’t pave a road to go and dig it up right after, so we are changing the pipes where they are doing roadwork. That includes $2.7 billion of work done already through the NWC from their revenue. That includes work done by JSIF (Jamaica Social Investment Fund) of $1.8 billion in the hills of St James and St Elizabeth,” added Samuda.

He lauded TEF for its role in funding the lift station project.

“There are 22 million reasons why I am here this afternoon and those 22 million reasons have been provided by the Tourism Enhancement Fund. Because they understand that the product is the beautiful environment, that our people have to have the right mechanism, the right systems, the right engineering to dispose of their waste to protect their environment. This partnership between the National Water Commission and the Tourism Enhancement Fund is representative of this government’s commitment to cleaning and greening the entire Jamaica,” he said.

Samuda also reiterated previous assurances of important, but carefully thought out, changes for the area.

“Port Antonio is slated for massive development, not development that changes the character of Port Antonio, but the sort of development that unlocks the true potential of her people, the true potential of this awesome geography that opens up for the rest of the world to see. This cannot happen without protecting the environment, the soil quality, water quality, which can’t happen without good wastewater systems,” he said.

“I express thanks to the TEF and the technician team of the water commission for designing a particular solution to ensure that [people] within the vicinity of the craft village are able to have their sewage delivered from that space to the appropriate treatment plant,” he added.

TEF Executive Director Dr Carey Wallace explained why it had been regarded as a worthy project.

“Portland has this great opportunity. You are the most beautiful parish, your capital has two harbours, and it spells opportunity. Each one can teach one for us to provide social order, public order, hospitality to make us all well,” he said.

NWC regional manager for the North East Richard Williams explained the significance of the lift station, describing it as a way to advance the “long-term development and sustainability of this parish”.

“Carder Park is one of the most popular recreational facilities and generates a significant wastewater flow. By ensuring these flows are conveyed to our newly built sewage station in Anchovy, we are safeguarding public health, protecting the environment and strengthening the foundation for Portland’s growth as a premier tourism destination,” Williams further stressed.

“This initiative also represents partnership in action with the support of the Tourism Enhancement Fund and the collaboration of our sister agencies and municipal leaders. We are ensuring that infrastructure development keeps pace with the social and economic needs of the parish. It is one more step in addressing the last-mile challenge of connecting businesses, households, and institutions to the modern wastewater network,” he added.

Tourism Enhancement Fund Executive Director Dr Cary Wallace (left) and NWC Regional Manager for the North East Richard Williams with the freshly signed memorandum of understanding for a $22-million lift station at Carder Park and Port Antonio Craft Market. (Everard Owen)