3,000 households to benefit from water project

For years, some residents of the St Andrew South constituency had to collect water from standpipes as the precious commodity did not flow in their homes.

But that is expected to change through a water well project valued at US$180,000 (approximately J$27 million) spearheaded by the Rotary Club of St Andrew.

The project was launched yesterday at the Boys' Town Community Centre in Trench Town. Rotary Club President Audley Deidrick shared that the project was initiated in 2019, but was stalled due to a lack of funds. The electric water pump, which is now covered with overgrown shrubs and trees, will be replaced by a solar water pump, solar panel, water tanks and testing equipment. The project is expected to be completed in the next three months, and Deidrick said persons would be trained to tend to the daily operations of the system.

"This facility, apart from providing water for vegetation on the Boys' Town complex, it will also provide potable water. This same well will provide water supply for 3,000 persons around the community," he shared. Deidrick, a football enthusiast, shared that his history with Boys' Town started shortly after he left Clarendon College. He developed a deep connection with the football team and he felt compelled to help develop the wider community.

Since becoming president, he and the board members have been actively procuring funds and partnerships, both locally and internationally, to jump-start the water well project.

One of the partners, Rotary Club of the University District of Washington, was also embarking on a similar project.

"When you see something that is aligned with what was on your mind, you simply grasp it and that's what I did. And here we are today, after almost two years," Deidrick said.

Commended the move

Member of Parliament and Opposition Leader Mark Golding commended the move, highlighting it as something that has been in the pipeline for many years.

"It is good that today we can celebrate something good, something transformational in Trench Town. We want to see the community uplifted and developed, and there is a lot that needs to be done in terms of housing, and redevelopment and real community focus," Golding said.

Harold Salmon, former groundsman of the Boys' Town complex, was elated to hear of the new development.

"Boys' Town was on top, more than anywhere else. Now, it broke down so the morale gone. If them build it up back, it can come back," he shared. He urged the partners to ensure the solar panels are properly maintained. "It is a necessity to have the water system come back, because the nuff time water gone and it would really help them round here."

A project to erect a multipurpose building at Boy's Town was also launched. It is expected to be completed at the same time as the well.