Opposition spokesperson on Water Ian Hayles is urging minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Matthew Samuda to provide greater clarity on his proposed plans to improve water supply in western Jamaica.

Hayles in a statement on Wednesday, May 1, raised concerns about the minister’s shifting of plans to improve water supply to residents in that region.

He said Samuda announced a US$209-million project starting with the laying of over 60 kilometres of pipe from Martha Brae in Trelawny to Great River in St James for phase 1. Hayles also noted that Samuda mentioned that phase 2 will run another 60 kilometres of pipe from Rusea’s High School into the west end of Negril.

Hayles however pointed out that the original proposal was to lay 32 kilometres of pipes from the Roaring River in Westmoreland to the interior and west end of Negril.

The Opposition spokesperson on water said the revised plans, which propose the laying of over 120 kilometres of pipe will delay the residents of Negril, who have waited on the NWC for over 5 years, from getting water.

“Minister Samuda’s shifting plans raise doubts about the effectiveness and intent of these proposed water improvement projects,” Hayles said.

He further highlighted that sourcing water from Rusea’s High School to Negril entails a longer journey with potential obstacles due to increased development along the route. He raised another concern that the solution may not adequately address future water demands.

Hayles is now proposing an alternative route from the Roaring River to Negril which is shorter and more cost-effective and would cut the project timeline by half, thereby providing quicker relief to the affected communities.

He is also calling on Minister Samuda to provide transparent timelines for water projects and to reconsider the recommended approach to addressing the water shortage in western Jamaica.

“The well-being of residents must be prioritised above all else, and effective, sustainable solutions must be implemented without further delay,” Hayles said.