Chang

Water and Housing Minister Dr Horace Chang has revealed that it will cost US$5 billion-US$7 billion (J$445 billion-J$623 billion) over the next five years to fix Jamaica's water woes on a long-term basis.

With the current shortage triggered by months of low rainfall, there has been increased criticism over the lack of aggressive attempts by successive governments to address the country's water problems.

Chang did not blame either of the major political parties, but he insisted that recurring shortages were a consequence of a lack of investment.

"It may be that water is not a sexy topic," the water minister said last Friday during a Gleaner Editors' Forum. "For that reason, sometimes the political pressure to act is maybe not as acute, and therefore, we have not done as well as we should as a country."

Chang said the Government has started the process to ensure a sustainable long-term water-development plan. He said work would begin in January on the US$211-million South East Water Supply Programme.

That project will ensure the provision of another 20 million gallons of water to the Corporate Area and St Catherine, which he said should be enough to cover those areas over the next 15 years. The water project includes the rehabilitation of old systems and the construction of new ones.

Not viable

However, Chang said the Government would not consider damming the Rio Cobre. That suggestion was made years ago by then chairman of the National Housing Trust, Kingsley Thomas. Chang said the Government would not pursue the suggestion because the rock type in the Rio Cobre would not make the project viable.

At present, the Corporate Area requires 55 million gallons of water each day, but Chang said only about 45 million gallons reach households, because of the poor infrastructure, which results in significant leakage.

"The systems are old and decrepit, it's not just a matter of inefficiency," said Chang.

He also said the Government was moving to increase access to potable water in rural areas from the current 47 per cent to 65 per cent within three years.

damion.mitchell@gleanerjm.com

Children carry receptacles along Maxfield Park Avenue in St Andrew to catch water as Corporate Area communities continue to grapple with lock-offs and low tap pressure. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Freelance Photographer