Residents in West Central St. James to get improved water system

By Nakinskie Robinson  

 

Some 9,000 residents in West Central St. James will receive improved water supply from an upgraded system by Christmas.

 

This was announced by Minister with Responsibility for Water, Matthew Samuda.

 

The system upgrade will include an 8-inch Ductile Iron pipeline from Fairfield Avenue to Fairfield Tank, to be installed within three months.

 

Senator Samuda said the work is long overdue. 

 

"These pipes were obviously meant to be changed many decades ago. However, we have now the financial capacity and space to do this project. So the works behind us will cost some $47 million. And pipes have been pulled from the NWC, stores of pipes, which would carry the value of the project to somewhere above $70 million when complete," he revealed, adding that other developments are being contemplated for the area. 

 

The work, being done by the National Water Commission, will benefit residents from Fairfield, Irwin, Cashew Grove, and Tucker Avenue and include the replacement of 2 kilometres of old and aging 6 inch asbestos concrete pipe that was prone to leakage.

 

Once the pipe laying, pressure testing and flushing of the system is completed, the team from the NWA will begin the road rehabilitation.

 

Senator Samuda said the NWA has already completed the procurement for the road works where the pipes are being laid. 

 

He has encouraged residents to work with the NWC, once the emergency works are completed, and pay their bills on time.