JAMAICA | Opposition PNP says amid severe drought crisis, water trucks are left to rot in St. James

KINGSTON, Jamaica. April 11, 2024: With several parishes across the island currently experiencing severe drought conditions, the People’s National Party says it is alarmed that several water trucks which were procured by the last PNP administration have been left in a state of disrepair.

The trucks, which cost taxpayers billions of dollars, formed part of the fleet of trucks in the Rapid Response Unit, which was implemented to help manage the nation’s water crisis.

PNP spokesman on Water Ian Hayles noted that in 2015, Negril endured one of its worst droughts on record, prompting the government at the time to deploy over 20 water trucks to provide relief to affected residents.

However, when the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) assumed office in 2016, they dismantled the Rapid Response Unit, which had been equipped with 39 trucks dedicated to addressing emergency water supply needs. Since then, these trucks which are parked at the National Water Commission (NWC) offices in St. James and Portmore, have languished in a state of ruin and disrepair.

The PNP Spokesman said that the current drought situation echoes the challenges faced by various communities in Negril and has caused him, along with Councillor Artel Colley, to donate much-needed water tanks to Negril Primary School.

"It is deeply concerning that in the face of such dire circumstances, the government has failed to implement a proactive and sustainable strategy to manage the current drought," the spokesman stated. "The decision to dismantle the Rapid Response Unit has left communities vulnerable and without adequate support during times of water scarcity."

The neglect of essential water infrastructure assets, such as the fleet of water trucks, is indicative of the government's lack of commitment to ensuring water security for all Jamaicans. The inaction exacerbates the suffering of communities already grappling with the impacts of drought, including water shortages, agricultural losses, and economic hardship.

In light of these challenges, the Shadow Minister on Water is urging the government to take immediate action to address the drought, including reactivating the Rapid Response Unit, increasing investment in water conservation and management, as well as prioritising the maintenance and upkeep of essential water infrastructure, including water treatment plants, pipelines, and reservoirs.

"The government has a responsibility to prioritise the well-being of its citizens and safeguard their access to clean and reliable water," the PNP emphasised. "We cannot afford to continue neglecting the urgent needs of communities facing drought. Immediate action is needed to mitigate the impacts of the crisis and ensure water security for all Jamaicans."

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