Port Royal residents happy for regular water supply

For years, Catherine Cather had to endure the daily struggle of carrying heavy pans of water on her head from the water truck delivery point in Port Royal Square to her home.

"It did hard because mi kids dem gone and mi live alone, so mi used to have to struggle and carry the water all by myself if nuh body nuh around fi help mi," Cather, 68, recalled. Like her, many residents of Port Royal endured the same frustrating water shortages, with a supply that was often unreliable and inconsistent. One resident told THE STAR that water would only be available in the mornings from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., then would be cut off until the afternoon.

"If yuh did need the water inna di day and never catch none inna di morning, mi sorry fi yuh because the water never did a come back until evening," the resident explained. "After a while, we did get used to it, but that nuh mean it did easy fi deal with, because we have kids a go school and we have work. But at the same time, we afi mek sure seh wi catch water."

Port Royal, a town with deep historical roots, has always been a place of contrasts. Once a thriving hub of trade and culture in the 17th century, it became infamous for its pirate presence and vibrant port life. Today, despite its heritage as the site of some of Jamaica's most dramatic historical moments, it has faced challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure like the water system.

But that has changed. Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness officially commissioned the town's new and improved water system, marking a historic turning point for the community. The $530 million upgrade, led by the National Water Commission, include the replacement of old, corroded cast-iron pipes with new, high-density polyethylene pipelines that are designed to last for 40 to 50 years.

"Port Royal is going to become a new economic hub for Kingston," Holness said at the commissioning ceremony, adding that the project would not only improve the town's water supply, but also help stimulate broader economic growth in the area and the country.

"It will add to our GDP and create revenues that will more than repay the over $2 billion worth of investment we have made," he said.

Residents like 64-year-old Martin Prawl, who has lived his entire life in Port Royal, are beyond thrilled by the upgrade to the water system.

"Mi glad fi dis, because now we finally have consistent water and good water pressure, and di wata taste good! Before dem fix it, yuh coulda taste all a di rust inna di wata," Prawl said.

Similarly, for Cather, the new system represents more than just convenience, it's a new lease on life.

"Bwoy, mi grateful because mi couldn't manage fi carry dem heavy bucket pan mi head. Suh mi glad mi have water inna mi pipe now whenever mi need it," she said.