Minister with responsibility for Water, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr. is asserting that the delivery of water to health centres and other critical areas remains a priority for the Government.
He says the National Water Commission has been generally consistent in the delivery of water to health institutions.
“I can assure the public that the National Water Commission considers provision of water to these health centres a priority, given the critical nature of resources”, declared the minister.
Minister Charles Jr. indicated that water is trucked to the clinics on the request of the clinic administration.
“In the recent case at the Comprehensive Health Centre, on Slipe Pen Road, I am advised that the Health Centre made request for water on Wednesday and Thursday (May 16) and 2000 gallons were delivered on both days with an additional 3000 gallons on Friday morning, a total of 7000 gallons in three days. This is in addition to piped water being on the property for portions of each day”, detailed Senator Charles Jr.
Minister Charles Jr. added “that based on the scheduling system of the NWC, water is made available to the clinic generally at 9am each morning. However, on Thursday, due to lower than usual availability at the Mona Dam, it unavoidably returned at 12noon. When a team from the NWC visited the clinic on Friday (May 17), all tanks on the premises had water, several being full”, he explained.
In the meantime, the Minister is calling on institutions to manage their water supply so as to minimize water loss.
“We recognize that the entire country is facing challenges at this time, regarding water shortage; however, it is a priority that health facilities, schools and other critical areas are consistently supplied with water. We again call for institutions to properly manage their water supply so as to minimize water loss. I am also calling on the various health institutions to report any water issues you may be having through the established channels as each of these institutions has an in-house representative that liaise with NWC. In doing so, we will be able to respond to any issues speedily to ensure minimal disruptions in their operations”, he concluded.
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