These families have had to develop ways of storing water from rainfall, transport water from near-by water sources or buy water from water trucks. The latter option being the most expensive one, and many of these homes have no water connection from the only company which provides water to homes in Jamaica. There are also homes which are fitted with pipes from the water company but they only receive running water occasionally, sometimes they do not receive any for days, weeks and even months. There are also homes which have been outfitted with pipes and storage tanks by the owners who have to buy water from truckers who operate a private water service.

Unfortunately the number of homes which fit into either 1 or 2 of the descriptions above is quite high and; many Jamaicans are having difficulty getting or keeping water in their homes.

When we think about essential services we cannot forget water.

Schools, Roads, Social Security, Health Care, Education and Water do not get the attention or budget allowance that they deserve from the Jamaican Government. Along with the water company’s failure to develop more clean and safe ways of getting water into Jamaican homes, we also see where water is not a priority for the government. This essential service seems to be always on the back burner.

The water company has no competition since they are the sole providers of water service and they have not maintained or expanded the business of water to match the needs of the population. All across the country if you observe you will see some water pipes so old, that they might make you wonder what else is in those pipes along with your water! Well, one thing that is in those pipes for sure is a lot of ” Chlorine” or other alleged purification additives. When I turn on the pipe at home, I have to let it run out for a few minutes before I use or consume any, as I can see the additive running right through the water. I also filter it to cut back on exposure to whatever that white component is in the water.

So, I say all that to say this, Jamaica is known as ” the land of wood and water” yet we continue to suffer from a lack of water in our homes all across the 14 parishes.

We have many rivers and water sources but these have not been tapped into by the only water company which controls our water supply. This limits water supply to homes across the island tremendously and I think that the water issue should be dealt with in a much more serious way than it has been dealt with. We need more Dams, Storage facilities, and to use up our clean water sources to provide water to citizens.

It is quite difficult for people to wake up extra early in the morning, just to walk sometimes for miles to fill buckets, and repeat the process, morning after morning and night after night. It is even harder for people to keep their homes clean and sanitised if water is scarce. When it comes to drinking clean water this is a fundamental part of what our bodies need daily.

It is my hope that the powers-that-be will take the issue of providing water to Jamaicans with more concern and for those of us who have access to water please remember water is precious and essential. Do not waste it.

Thanks for stopping by. Join me next week for another edition of “There’s Something about Jamaica”  and don’t forget to like, share and comment on mckoysnews.com. Email questions to irieamber@gmail.com and you can find me on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @djambeririefm

Editor at Large, Mckoy’s News.

The views expressed on this post are that of the writer and not that of Mckoy’s News.