RESIDENTS in rural St Ann are set to benefit from expanded access to potable water, with Member of Parliament for St Ann North Eastern Matthew Samuda announcing that work is under way to bring piped water to 1,100 people in Davies Town for the first time, while a new community water scheme is being developed for Farmers Heights.

Samuda made the announcement during his contribution to the 2026 State of the Constituency Debate on Tuesday, in which he outlined a series of water projects aimed at improving supply across his constituency.

The plans include work on the Steer Town re-lift station, an upgrade of the Walkerswood-to-Breadnut Hill transmission main and the expansion of the White River Plant.
According to Samuda, the projects are necessary as the constituency continues to deal with old water infrastructure and gaps in the reach of the existing supply network.
He said the Davies Town project is already under way and is expected to extend water service to 1,100 residents.

Samuda, who is the Cabinet minister with responsibility for water, said the Government is developing a scheme for Farmers Heights, with the aim of bringing running water to the community for the first time within two years.

“We, however, do have the big dream articulated in Vision 2030 which is access to potable water for all, as such we will pursue the Steer Town re-lift station supporting new supply for Steer Town, Davies Town, and Hermitage. The upgrade of the Walkerswood to Breadnut Hill transmission main which will support Harrison Town to Dunnsville and all communities along the corridor in South East St Ann. The upgrade of the White River Plant is slated to commence next year and will support supply in Exchange and Western St Mary,” he said.
Samuda also reported that some major water infrastructure work has already been completed.

He told the House that during the last financial year the transmission main between Drax Hall and Llandovery was replaced at a cost of $300 million. Community water line replacements have also been completed along Marcus Garvey Way, Lancewood, and Chin Street.

The water plans formed part of a wider programme Samuda presented for the constituency, which, he said, has more than 46,000 registered constituents.
Education and employment also featured prominently.

Samuda said his constituency office has been able to support an additional 100 students each year with university grants of at least $70,000, while more than 700 constituents have been connected with full-time jobs through job and skills fairs held over the past two years.

He also highlighted road projects, including the planned start of work on Marcus Garvey Way before the end of this year, as well as work completed or under way on Paradise Street in Breadnut Hill, Lime Hall Main Road, Chin Street and Miss Green Street in Exchange, and New Bond Street in Tanglewood.

The MP said further road work is planned in several communities, including Marvins Park in Exchange, Content Gardens, Eltham, Cool Shade in Tanglewood and Banks in Priory.
Farm roads are also included, with Samuda telling the House that about three kilometres of farm roads in Lime Hall in Laycock, New Ground and Farmers Heights are to be restored.

He linked that work to the ability of farmers to get their produce to market.

Samuda also outlined plans to strengthen the cultural and historical attractions of St Ann’s Bay, including the restoration of the town clock, upgrades to the library and the restoration of the birth home of National Hero the Right Excellent Marcus Garvey.

He said the St Ann’s Bay Library is also to be transformed into the Marcus Garvey Library and Museum, with support from the private sector and the Garvey family.