Study to identify wells on bauxite lands in St Ann South Eastern

The Government will be commissioning a study to identify wells on bauxite lands in St Ann South Eastern, and to partner with bauxite companies to enable nearby communities to access these wells for water.

This was disclosed by Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda, during a tour of water systems in the area on Friday.

“The very nature of this area is [such] that pumping costs are going to be very expensive, so we need to get as close to source as possible, so we will commission that study,” he said.

“There are some [wells] that we are aware of, and we will ensure that we are able to access the productive wells. We will do the study and ensure that the National Water Commission (NWC) has the information and can apply for the necessary licences.”

The minister highlighted that there are water distribution challenges in the area.  As such, several small and major projects will have to be undertaken in the constituency to ensure access to water.

Among the projects will be pipeline work to connect Higgin Town to Claremont communities.

“I will have Rural Water Supply Limited and the NWC submit the estimates to me as a matter of urgency, so that where there are projects where small investments can have big wins, we will make those investments very quickly,” Senator Samuda said.

Member of Parliament for St Ann South Eastern, Lisa Hanna, commended the minister and his team for the measures to address water challenges in the area.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the minister because he has put in place a water tank programme,” she said.

“Already, the assessments have been completed across the four divisions in this constituency and those water tanks will soon be distributed – first in Bensonton and Claremont, then Moneague and Beecher Town.  So, we look forward to close to 1,000 persons receiving water-catchment tanks for their premises.”

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