The islandwide water lock-off by irate National Water Commission (NWC) employees has disrupted operations at health facilities, schools, and businesses across St Catherine.

When OBSERVER ONLINE visited Old Harbour Health Centre, some patients were being turned back due to water issues at the health facility.

According to Nurse Michelle Smith the centre is unable to provide full service to patients because of the lack of potable water.

“We are hoping that the situation improves by the end of the day because our water tank is almost empty.

“If this situation continues, we won’t be able to provide any service to the residence, because most of what we do requires soap and clean water,” she added.

The disruption was also felt within schools across the parish. As early as 8:30 am, students from Jose Marti Technical were being told to return home.

A parent, who did not want to be identified by name, said the lockdown was particularly inconvenient because her daughter is preparing for final exams and had classes today.

“I was at work when I got a call from my daughter saying that I should pick her up from school because there is no water there.”

She chided the NWC employees, stating that their actions are insensitive.

“I think it was very selfish what the workers at NWC are doing. It is obvious that they do not care about the thousands of Jamaicans who have been impacted by their actions,” she said.

“I personally think the Government should sanction the organisers of this act,” she added.