Ian Hayles, member of parliament for Hanover western. - File

Some 28,462 residents of rural Jamaica are expected to have reliable supplies of water when work is completed on some 11 minor water supply systems across the island, this fiscal year. >

A total of $74.46 million has been allocated in this year's budget to complete these systems.

Making the announcement in his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 18, State Minister for Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Ian Hayles noted that work began on the systems in 2012/13, and that the majority has been completed.

These systems include: Lottery Water Supply System in east-central St James; Bamboo Ridge Pipeline Extension, south-west St Catherine; Geneva/ Ghetto Water Supply System, western Westmoreland; Farmers Heights Water Supply System, north-east St Ann; Broad gate Water Supply System, south-east St Mary; east Portland Tanks and Bases, east Portland; Quaminus to Lionel Town Water Supply System, south-east Clarendon; Cascade Water Supply System, south-west St Ann; John's Groin Water Supply System, north-west St Catherine; Wharf Lane Water Supply System, west Portland; and Copperwood/Richmond Hill System, south St James.

Focus and priority

"This administration has taken a policy decision to give focus and priority to rural Jamaica, and when it comes to water, we intend to be less reactive and more proactive. We are working for our people today, and at the same time, planning for tomorrow," Mr Hayles said.

He pointed out that Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL) continues to play a critical role in the development of systems to serve rural communities.

The state minister noted that the RWSL will be carrying out upgrading and remedial works on additional small water supply systems during the year at a cost of $60.3 million, which should benefit 26,000 residents.

Supply systems

These include supply systems in: Top Hill, north-west St Catherine; Windsor Heights, western St Catherine; Troja/Lassie Spring, north-west St Catherine; Grant Hill, West Rural St Andrew; Kelly Spring, West Rural St Andrew; Top Leinster/Devon Pen, south-eastern St Mary; Seaton, central St Mary; and Haining, western Portland.

State Minister Hayles said work will also begin on minor water supply systems in eastern and western St Thomas; western Hanover; and Smithville and Union in north-west Clarendon.

"Also in the works is a two-kilometre pipeline that will bring much needed relief to the people of Porus, Manchester. We are very serious when it comes to providing our residents with potable water," the state minister emphasised.