JAMAICA | Purkiss Intensifies Efforts to Restore Water Supply to Eastern Hanover Communities

Follow-up visit to Shettlewood Pump Station reveals generator failure as critical bottleneck

HOPEWELL HANOVER, JAMAICA – September 24, 2025 – Member of Parliament for Eastern Hanover Andrea Purkiss conducted an urgent follow-up assessment at the Shettlewood Pump Station this morning, as communities throughout her constituency enter their fourth week without consistent water supply. 

Following her initial community visit yesterday, MP Purkiss returned to the pump station facility to examine why water restoration efforts have stalled despite previous assurances from utility officials. 

Her inspection uncovered a frustrating technical reality: while the primary water pump remains operational, the generator that powers the critical infrastructure has malfunctioned, effectively crippling the entire system.

"The irony is heartbreaking – we have a functioning pump sitting idle because of generator failure," stated MP Purkiss. "For three weeks, our communities have endured this crisis while the solution sits tantalizingly close. This is precisely why hands-on parliamentary oversight is essential."

She spoke to National Water Commission Regional Manager for Hanover and Westmoreland David Pryce, who confirmed  that a generator malfunction represented the primary obstacle to immediate water restoration. However, he provided assurance that alternative measures are being implemented to serve the affected communities.

"The Regional Manager has confirmed that a comprehensive trucking schedule is in place," the Eastern Hanover MP explained. "I will be personally monitoring this distribution system to ensure equitable access across all affected communities. No household should be left behind while we work toward permanent restoration."

The water crisis has impacted thousands of residents across Eastern Hanover, with particular hardship reported among elderly residents, families with young children, and small businesses dependent on consistent water supply. Community leaders have expressed growing frustration with what they perceive as inadequate emergency response measures.

Councillor for the area Wynter McIntosh emphasized the collaborative approach being taken to address both immediate and long-term concerns. "This is about more than temporary fixes," he noted. "We need sustainable infrastructure that prevents these recurring crises from devastating our communities."

MP Purkiss announced that she, along with Councillor McIntosh, will maintain daily communication with NWC officials until full service restoration is achieved. She has also committed to establishing a community liaison system to ensure transparent information flow regarding water distribution schedules and repair progress.

"My constituents deserve more than promises – they deserve action and accountability," MP Purkiss declared. "I will not allow this crisis to drag on indefinitely while families suffer. Every day without water represents a failure of basic governmental responsibility."

The newly elected parliamentarian, who campaigned on infrastructure improvement and responsive governance, has made the water crisis her immediate priority since taking office. Her proactive approach contrasts sharply with what community members describe as years of neglect under previous representation.

NWC officials indicated that generator repair efforts are underway, though no specific timeline for completion has been provided. In the interim, the trucking distribution system will continue operating under MP Purkiss's direct oversight.

Eastern Hanover residents requiring emergency water assistance or information about distribution schedules are encouraged to contact MP Purkiss's constituency office. The MP has also established a community hotline for real-time updates on restoration progress.

"This crisis will end," MP Purkiss concluded. "But more importantly, we will implement systems to prevent its recurrence. Our communities deserve infrastructure they can depend on."

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