Growth & Jobs | Jamaica’s water problems need a collaborative approach – Lyew-Ayee

Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, said the country’s water problems can only be addressed with a collaborative approach, with the input of key stakeholders, at the public and private sector levels.

“Solving this long-standing water problem is not an easy task,” he said.“The Government cannot do it alone. That is why we are hosting this special webinar to bring together in one place experts, scientists, engineers, hydrogeologists, economists, financiers, policymakers, and social scientists, including many other stakeholders, to not only discuss issues, but to have constructive dialogue and put forward practical solutions, which we will need to grab and put into action,” he explained.

Lyew-Ayee made the suggestions while addressing the JN Foundation Water Summit, which was held virtually on May 13 and 14 under the theme ‘Water is Life’.

The JN Foundation chairman said that the country’s water challenges are unprecedented, which called for decisive actions and proactive approaches to address the issues.

“Our climate adaptation approach must involve the practices of water efficiencies and conservation,” he pointed out.

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The geologist also recommended that upcoming housing solutions, constructed by private developers and government agencies, should feature climate resilience and water- conservation fittings as well as systems at a minimum standard.

He said that there should be an urgent ratification of the draft National Housing Policy, specifically in the areas that aim to support and promote sustainable climate resilience.

Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of housing, urban renewal, environment and climate change, said that the Government was pursuing solutions to address informal communities that are vulnerable to climate change.

“My ministry is currently engaged in a comprehensive national survey of these informal settlements, with a view to obtaining information which will allow us to move towards solutions,” he said.

Charles said that so far, 25,202 persons in more than 219 settlements had been surveyed. The surveys were conducted in the parishes of Clarendon, St Ann, Manchester, Trelawny, Hanover, and St Elizabeth. He also noted that currently, data is being collected in the parishes of St Mary, Portland, and St Thomas.

“That data which is being collected will also inform the Squatter Management Policy to provide that strategic direction needed to address squatting, with the aim of also addressing the practice and fostering orderly planned development of our land resources,” he said.

The summit was organised by Water Project Jamaica, which is being administered by the JN Foundation. Some of the other topics discussed included water availability and housing; policy and water as a commodity; as well as water security, water availability, and urban planning.