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JHTA Negril Chapter wants water project for resort town fast-tracked

Published:Monday | May 6, 2024 | 3:31 PM
Karen Lanigan, chairman of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Negril Chapter, addressing a press conference in Negril, Westmoreland on May 6. Looking on is Richard Wallace, Immediate Past President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce. - Ashley Anguin photo.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Negril Chapter wants proposed plans for the development of a US$186 million or J$29.1 billion water project in Negril, Westmoreland to begin before the upcoming winter tourist season as stakeholders in the resort town struggle with water supply issues.

Addressing a press briefing today, the chapter's chairman Karen Lanigan declared that ongoing drought conditions affecting Jamaica will have grave implications for Negril's tourism sector if the project, which was announced in April this year, is not undertaken immediately.

"We cannot go through another winter season in the Negril area with no water. The financial implications are really serious for the businesses and the community of Negril, so what we are asking is to look at the plans that have been put in place and fast-forward them," said Lanigan.

"Mr Samuda [Matthew Samuda, Minister with responsibility for Water] has spoken about a medium-term project costing US$186 million to get the water from Lucea to Green Island to Negril...18 percent of that figure would have to be used to start the project, to get the project what it needs. We need this spend to be now to protect the lives and livelihoods of Negril," Lanigan added.

"We need emergency procurement so that the project can be pushed through and done in a timely manner for us."

Lanigan also noted that hotel and resort operators in Negril have spent $200 million since March to supply water for their guests at their properties.

In April, the Ministry of Tourism indicated that it is collaborating with Samuda, along with the National Works Agency and other stakeholders, to find ways to address the complaints of hotel and villa operators in Negril regarding the impact of the water crisis on their businesses.

- Christopher Thomas

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