MANDEVILLE, MANCHESTER:

Earl Samuels, managing director at the National Housing Trust (NHT), has disclosed that the long-awaited development of nearly 500 acres of land off Perth Road in Mandeville has his a major hurdle. This is as a result of the National Water Commis-sion (NWC) being unable to supply the needed water.

Samuels, who was addressing members of the Rotary Club of Mandeville, said the NHT intended to use the property to provide approximately 1,800 housing solutions. He said when it became evident that the NWC was not in a position to provide adequate water to the development, the NHT board offered to provide funding for any necessary upgrading. He said the NHT made $300 million available to the NWC; however, the offer was not taken.

This revelation did not find favour with some members of the Rotary Club, as the issue of water for the town has been a contentious one over the last 15 years.

Tired of excuses

Last month, Mayor of Mandeville, Brenda Ramsay, along with several councillors, made it clear they were tired of the constant excuses coming from the NWC as to why the town could not have an adequate water supply.

She said the long-standing excuse of it being too costly was no longer acceptable as the lack of water was restricting development in the town.

Samuels said the NHT was currently looking at alternative means of supplying water to the project along with companies such as Alumina Partners of Jamaica.

In response to Samuels, Charles Buchanan, NWC communications officer told The Gleaner that it was no secret that it was extremely expensive and unprofitable to supply Mandeville with water.

He said if the NWC spent $300 million to supply water to the Mandeville community; it would only be able to recover a small portion.

He also contends that some developers were under the incorrect impression that it was the responsibility of the NWC to supply water and sewage disposal services whenever or wherever they decide to do a development.

According to Buchanan, even if $300 million were enough to enable the NWC to supply the needed water to the development, his agency would be "saddled" with the future maintenance. However, Samuels said the NWC would be working with the NHT to come up with a solution.

- Angelo Laurence