Road, water woes plague Mafoota

WESTERN BUREAU:

The plea from Jamaicans for improved roadways and an efficient water supply is like a recurring decimal. This time, the call comes from Mafoota in south St James.

The peaceful farming community is not bothered by the lack of the precious commodity but is more concerned about the security of the facility which houses the supply that most of the estimated 3,000 residents depend on for drinking.

"We understand the situation when it comes to water, and we will not take issue with the inconsistent supply, but we want to see the premises secured," said community leader Norma Johnson.

"It is our source for drinking, but some persons are bathing in it, and we cannot afford that."

It is understood that in addition to daily water-quality checks, the National Water Commission (NWC) is to embark on a public-sensitisation campaign to address vandalism and the security of its facilities islandwide.

Farmer Michael Sterling lamented that in addition to the poor security of the NWC facility, his distress is worsened by the poor road conditions and the cost to get his supplies to customers.

Authorities dragging feet

The Mafoota Farmers' Cooperative, which was formed about 10 years ago, has a contractual arrangement with a number of the major hotels in the western region of the island to supply produce for consumption. But this agreement is being affected.

"Most of us here are vegetable farmers with obligations to supply the big hotels, and I believe that should be enough reason for the authorities to stop dragging their feet and fix the road."

Communications officer of the National Works Agency western region, Janelle Ricketts, told Western Focus that while she was aware of the deplorable conditions of the roads in Mafoota, she could not provide a timeline for repairs to be effected.

"With a new Government and an expected revision of JDIP (Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme), there might be changes," she said on Wednesday. "But Mafoota was not on the immediate list for repairs, but one must also be reminded that JDIP is a five-year programme."