Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda has stated that water is the driving force for  development and Economic  Activity.

Beyond that however, he noted that water is the driving force for Human dignity. Minister Samuda, who was speaking on Thursday July 7,  at the Commissioning ceremony for the NWC’S $113 million  Luana to Middle Quarters Water Pipeline Project, in St Elizabeth, stated  that for this reason,   commissioning ceremonies are very important to the Government.

“IT is why the Prime Minister has said we must do all we can to connect the pipes”, the  Minister said.

Noting the critical importance of water to people lives,  Minister Samuda made reference to the threat to the nation’s water security by the impacts of climate change, particularly  the declines in rainfall currently being experienced by Portland, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth.

“St Elizabeth has had the largest decline in rainfall over the past 60 days, so we are very cognisant of the issues of those who are connected to water who have not gotten their regular supply.  We will be doing what we need to do to ensure that you get some reprieve,” the Minister said.

He disclosed that for those who depend on other sources, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation would be working  with it’s partners at Rural Water Supply Limited, the Ministry of Local Government and the municipalities to address their issues.
Minister Samuda emphasized that unlike some Members of Parliament who get excited about money allocated for trucking water, this administración feels no such excitement.

“We get excitement when we are able to turn on the pipes on a Thursday because that means that we return the dignity to our citizens.  It means that we build the base for development.  It means that people have a Human right delivered to them in potable water.  That is what this administración is working for” Minister Samuda noted.

The Luana to Middle Quarters Pipeline Project will benefit approximately 1200 customers in the  communities of  Luana, Baptist Point,  Middle Quarters,  Craigie, Clinic Road, and Sections of New Holland.

Applications are currently being processed for water connections in Rockland, Lancewood and Diligent.