Editorial | Jamaica faces a dry future

HERE WE are again, talking about water, or rather, the lack thereof. Typically, we hold this conversation annually, as we watch precipitation dip and dryness set in all over the country. It has been going on for many years, and dire predictions of drought and water lock-offs confront the nation each year.

Indeed, recent heavy rains came in the nick of time to ease water restrictions, already in place in the Corporate Area, which is an indication that our reservoirs and catchment areas are running low. This is not to discount the woes created by torrential rains, including loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and pollution of water resources. But such are the inconsistencies triggered by climate change.

These inconsistencies signal the need for better water management, and improvement in distribution, if we are to effectively build long-term resilience to fend off these challenges, which are predicted to get worse. Last year, the National Water Commission introduced water restrictions across the 14 parishes of the island – it was that bad.

A minister of water is one of the strongest indications that the Government recognises that there needs to be someone charged with the responsibility of ensuring that there is water – suitable for domestic, agricultural and commercial purposes. Every year, we hear at Budget time that water challenges will be addressed. Among the areas of concern are leaks brought on by ageing and decaying infrastructure and illegal connections. In order words, the small stuff.

Missing are the bold, new ideas which will inspire a cultural shift by introducing conservation measures in all areas of daily life. When does the search begin to mobilise development partners who can be convinced to invest in water projects and drought-mitigation efforts? Where are the new technologies to adapt to the challenges we face in water supply, infrastructure and efficiency?

Dare we look to the tertiary institutions to lead a revolution by devising science-driven innovative tools to prepare the country to mitigate the effects of drought? Are the ministers of water and agriculture talking about ways of collaborating in water management, since agriculture is mostly rain-fed?

OPPORTUNITY FOR PRIVATE SECTOR

While we anxiously look to the Government to take the lead, we have grown accustomed to keeping an eye on the clouds above and praying for rain. But in the midst of climate change, even the clouds have become unreliable, as heavily laden nimbus clouds are often blown away by strong winds without shedding any moisture. The result is that the 20th-century dams and catchment areas are not being replenished to fulfil the swelling demand.

There are, in fact, many opportunities for private-sector input, and we must commend the Jamaica National Foundation, which has taken a keen interest in the water woes by establishing its water project. One of the main components of the project is to provide funds for water-adaptation measures to be integrated into new housing construction. But conservation education to households is also part of their agenda.

There are huge Rhino tanks sitting atop many houses in the Corporate Area, and there are some conscientious persons who are engaged in water harvesting. However, that is not enough to pull us back from a potential water crisis.

We are convinced, more than ever, that environmental stewardship has to be taught at all levels, and this has to be followed by strong enforcement. We are even more convinced that the Government needs to provide more inspired leadership and tangible action in this area.