Water at last for Merlene Ottey High

Several communities in eastern Hanover are receiving potable water for the first time in decades, following the commissioning last Wednesday of phase two of the $600- million Cascade Water Supply Project in the area.

Phase two of the system, which was completed by Rural Water Supply Limited at a cost of $150 million, will serve some 1,200 potential accounts in the communities of Cascade, Jericho, Mount Peace, Patty Hill, Shortfield, Hanna Town, Bulla Town, Retrieve, Claremount, and Pondside, as well as the Merlene Ottey High School.

These communities had experienced water scarcity due to drought, inadequate pipe networks, and a lack of proper water infrastructure, which compelled residents to seek water from distant sources or resort to untreated water sources, posing health and safety risks.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the Merlene Ottey High School in Pondside, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda, said that the investment was urgently needed.

"The NWC (National Water Commission) has spoken about this system as one of their major achievements, because they know the need, they understand how great and urgent it was. It's a commitment that we have fulfilled and we're very proud this afternoon to commission this system. We commit further to ensure that those, like the students of Merlene Ottey High, get the connections to the system to ensure that water, which is life, is a reality for you," the minister stated.