NWC moves into emergency response mode

 

The National Water Commissioner (NWC) says it has moved into emergency response mode in light of the threat of Tropical Storm Melissa.

 

Kevin Kerr, acting president of the NWC, was speaking at day two of the Office of the Prime Minister's special press briefing on Thursday morning.

 

"Key actions include, all hurricane response team members have been briefed and placed on high alert. In St. Thomas, pipelines located in landslide prone areas that cross rivers have been temporarily removed to prevent them from being washed away during every rainfall; open trenches at work sites are currently being reinstated; storage levels are being filled and secured to support post-storm recovery; teams are on standby to close off intake such as Yallahs to prevent silting and blockages," he explained.

 

Mr. Kerr said essential facilities such as hospitals and prisons will have access to water after the storm. He added that measures have been put in place to ensure adequate water storage ahead of the storm.

 

"All existing water restrictions have been lifted to allow our customers to store water ahead of bad weather. The NWC has established working groups with our key partners, JPS, the NWA, the municipal corporations, to ensure there's access and continuity in service after the passing. In the western region, particular attention has been given to the Great Water Treatment Plant which serves greater Montego Bay and its environs," he noted.