More than 10,000 residents of Exchange and surrounding communities in St. Ann North Eastern now have increased access to water supply, following the completion of work on the Exchange White River re-lift station and replacement of the Upton tank.
The facilities, which were upgraded by the National Water Commission (NWC) at a cost of $141 million, were recently commissioned into service by Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda, in White River, Ocho Rios.
According to a release from JIS, the project will result in NWC customers in the area now receiving water approximately 22 hours per day.
According to Mr Samuda the upgraded facilities will benefit residents of Exchange, Bonham Spring, White River, parts of Eltham and Lodge — all elevated areas close to the White River and close to St Ann.
“If we are to bring Vision 2030 to life, bringing potable water to the people of Jamaica is indeed a mandatory pillar of that strategy. With today’s commissioning, we know that we are benefiting upwards of 10,000 persons and 2,500 [NWC] accounts in this area,” Senator Samuda said.
Mr. Samuda encouraged residents to report unscrupulous individuals who are illegally abstracting water from NWC lines.
Also speaking at the event was Regional Manager of NWC for St. Ann, St. Mary, and Portland Richard Williams.
Work on the re-lift station included the replacement of all electromechanical equipment, upgrade of power supply and pumps from 124hp to 200hp, and the installation of new electronic soft starters, JIS reported.
In addition, the 50,000-gallon steel Upton tank was replaced with a new 100,000-gallon reinforced glass infused structure.
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Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda (left), turns on the upgraded White River Exchange re-lift station, in Ocho Rios, St Ann. Sharing in the moment is Member of Parliament for St. Ann North Eastern Marsha Smith.
