Water supply projects are currently being implemented in St Elizabeth, which will bring a reliable supply of potable water to communities.
This was disclosed by Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Dr Horace Chang.
Dr Chang informed that the projects will benefit communities of Essex Valley, Black River, Luana, Middle Quarters, Santa Cruz, Hounslow, Parottee, Williamsfield, Barbary Hall, New Market and Treasure Beach.
He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the installation of 4.6 kilometres of pipeline for the Hounslow to Newell water supply project in St Elizabeth on Thursday.
“We are doing the Essex Valley irrigation system —that will cost in the region of $2.5 million. We would like to put in place a plan and a schedule of implementation to not only bring potable water to all of St Elizabeth, but also irrigation water to all of the southern plains that require irrigation for production,” Dr Chang said.
He added that work to build the Nain relift station has been tendered and work will commence shortly.
“We are looking in the region of $90 million. That project was advertised recently …and we are putting it on what we call a business sensitive mode for procurement. It will provide potable water for a large section of the Essex Valley, including Nain, and coming all the way to Junction,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Dr Chang informed that the Santa Cruz to Lovely Point water supply system has been commissioned into service, while phase one of the $75-million Hounslow to Parottee project is underway.
He also mentioned that the $40-million project to upgrade the distribution network from Williamsfield to Barbary Hall has also started.
Turning to the $370-million New Market water system, Dr Chang said that the project will be put to tender this financial year. The system will serve residents of Beersheba, New Market and Brighton.
He added that the Treasure Beach system will also be upgraded at a cost of $150-million with work set to start during the 2017-18 financial year.
