Two St Catherine schools get help from WINDALCO

The West Indies Alumina Company (WINDALCO), in recognition of World Water Day observed under the theme 'Nature For Water', donated two 650-gallon water tanks to two early-childhood institutions in St Catherine.

The two schools - Browns Hall and Eccleston - with a combined population of more than 50 students, have been experiencing water problems for a number of years and have been relying on rainfall and the purchasing of water from water trucks operating in the area for their water supply.

In making the presentation last Wednesday at the schools, Monique Grange, information and public affairs officer for WINDALCO, said the bauxite company became aware of the challenges that these two institutions have been experiencing and was happy to assist.

"WINDALCO is happy to assist wherever there is a legitimate need. We go where the needs are," said Grange.

"These two early-childhood institutions have been struggling with no or low-running water supply and these tanks will help to alleviate that, and since we are observing World Water Day, we saw it fitting to assist."

According to Grange, the company has also been on a drive to help early-childhood institutions meet the requirements for certification and have been equipping several schools with items or improved facilities, in accordance with the standards set out by the Early Childhood Commission.

Principal of Eccleston Zaidie Graham and her counterpart, Maxine Hayles Morgan of Browns Hall, both expressed similar sentiments, thanking WINDALCO while highlighting the importance of the tanks in enhancing the water-storage capacity, and somewhat satisfying the established standard for running water for basic schools.

Councillor for the area and deputy mayor of Spanish Town, Ralston Wilson, who was on hand for the presentation, pledged to build concrete bases at both schools to affix the tanks.