Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, broke ground yesterday(July 18, 2024), for Phase one of the Mason Hall Water Supply Project in St. Mary.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Samuda noted that the first phase of the project, is being implemented at a cost of $173 million and is part of the overall Greater Mason Hall Water Supply System, which will be executed at a cost of $900 million over the next 18 to 24 months.
Minister Samuda stated that the investment in the project is possible, due to the sound management of the water sector.
“This is not to be taken lightly. This is as a result of strong management of the water sector over the last two years. Last budget year, as at March 30 was the second year in a row that the NWC had generated a surplus, and one of about five times ever, that it had any surplus at all. Surplus is not to be thought of as profit. Surplus is to be thought of as the $173 million, that we are able to invest in your water”, the Minister stated.
He added that the country is currently at about 90% in terms of access to reliable, potable water, noting that about 75 percent comes from the National Water Commission and the other 15 percent from the various municipal systems and a few private systems.
“Ninety percent isn’t the passing grade for water. One hundred percent is going to be the passing grade for water because ‘water is life’. It is why this Phase One will not be phase-end”, he explained.
This first phase of the project will involve the installation of seven kilometers of 8-inch, 6-inch, 4-inch and 2-inch PVE pipes of varying lengths, as well as 45,000 ft. of half inch PE distribution pipes,
The scope of works also includes the installation of a 400,000 gallon relift station at the Canoe Pond tank; the installation of 3,300 meters (or 10,900 ft) of 8-inch ductile iron pumping main as well as the installation of a storage tank at Salmon Hill.
Minister Samuda asked the residents for their patience while work is underway
“I don’t want to see any road blocks because we (are) laying pipes. There will be some dislocation and some discomfort. That is the nature of construction. We’re asking the community to work with us”, he stated.
The Minister also urged the residents to do their part by paying their bills on time and to report any incidents of water theft that they may witness, as it hampers the delivery of water to all citizens.
The Mason Hall Water Supply System is being implemented by the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL. The system will provide safe and reliable service to about 2,000 residents of Mason Hall, Salmon Hill, Kid Land, Marson Town and Bandro Hill in the parish.