Press Releases
Kingston, Jamaica. April 9, 2024: Shadow Minister on Water, Ian Hayles, has proposed sustainable solutions to address the water crisis in Negril while criticising the government’s recent announcement of a USD $209 million project aimed at running a pipeline from the Roaring River Treatment Plant to Negril.
Hayles began by emphasising the necessity of long-term planning and sustainable solutions to meet the increasing water demands in the region. He proposed a comprehensive plan to channel water from both the Roaring and Cabarita Rivers, creating multiple pipelines extending into various communities. Reference was made to a plan by the National Water Commission (NWC), which highlighted the potential to harvest 17 million gallons of water per day from the Cabarita River alone.
Despite acknowledging the commendable effort of any investment in water infrastructure, Hayles criticised the government’s approach as short-sighted and ultimately insufficient. “Access to water is a basic human need, and it is imperative that our planning reflects the growing demand in areas undergoing rapid infrastructural development such as Negril,” Hayles asserted. “The proposed pipeline from the Roaring River Treatment Plant to Negril, though touted as a solution, is merely a bandaid on a much larger issue.”
Hayles further highlighted the inadequacy of the treatment plant in Logwood to supply water to the surrounding communities. He suggested that integrating it with the Cabarita and Roaring River sources would enhance access to water for existing communities while providing sufficient capacity for future development.
Additionally, Hayles proposed measures to optimise water usage, such as mandating hotels and large businesses to utilise stored water during daytime hours, thereby alleviating strain on the pipeline during peak times.
“Investing in water infrastructure requires foresight and strategic planning,” Hayles added. “The government must prioritise sustainable solutions that not only address current needs but also anticipate future demands. Access to clean and potable water is a basic human need, and it is our duty to ensure that it is preserved for generations to come.”
In line with these concerns, Hayles also cautioned the government to prioritise infrastructure for future development, including water, roads, electricity, and sewage, before granting approvals. Such proactive measures are essential for ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of growing communities and avoids exacerbating existing issues.
