JAMAICA | East Hanover MP Andrea Purkiss Demands Immediate Action on Water Crisis Affecting Thousands of Constituents

HOPEWELL – Hanover, September 23, 2025 – Member of Parliament for East Hanover, Andrea Purkiss, is demanding immediate accountability and action from the National Water Commission (NWC) over a devastating water crisis that has left thousands of her constituents without reliable piped water service for nearly three weeks.

The crisis, which began in early September due to a damaged pump in the water distribution system, has affected the communities of Chester Castle, Haughton Grove, Ramble, Chichester, Mount Peto, Lethe, Copse, and surrounding areas – leaving families, elderly residents, and local businesses struggling without access to this most fundamental necessity.

"What I have inherited is absolutely unacceptable," declared the newly minted member of parliament, Andrea Purkiss. "No resident should have to endure weeks without access to clean, reliable water. The hardship this has caused to families and our most vulnerable citizens cannot be overstated, and I refuse to let this continue on my watch."

Since taking office, MP Purkiss has been in constant communication with NWC leadership alongside Councillor McIntosh, demanding emergency intervention and accountability.

The new MP has pressed for immediate water trucking services to affected areas, requested a full report on how this crisis was allowed to persist for so long, and called for comprehensive prevention measures.

"I have heard the frustration in the voices of mothers trying to care for their children, seen the exhaustion of elderly residents struggling to access water, and witnessed the impact on local businesses," MP Purkiss continued.

"This is about more than infrastructure – this is about human dignity and the fundamental right to basic services."

The MP's persistent advocacy has secured assurances from the National Water Commission that water supply will be restored by end of day today.

However, MP Purkiss emphasizes that restoration of service is only the beginning of her fight for her constituents.

"While the promised restoration is welcome news, it does not excuse the lengthy delay or the suffering my constituents have endured," she stated. "I will be calling for a full investigation into this delayed response and pushing for infrastructure upgrades to ensure this never happens again."

Moving forward, MP Purkiss has outlined a comprehensive response plan that includes scheduling community meetings to hear directly from affected residents about the crisis's impact, demanding systematic improvements to prevent future failures, and ensuring continued oversight of water service quality.

For constituents who do not receive restored water service by this evening as promised, MP Purkiss urges them to contact her constituency office immediately for direct escalation to NWC management. Special assistance for elderly residents and those with urgent needs is also available through her office.

"Access to clean, reliable water is a fundamental right, not a privilege," MP Purkiss concluded. "My constituents have shown remarkable resilience during this crisis, but they should never have been placed in this position. I stand with them, and we will see this through together."

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