The Following was Received from a Bark Di Trute Supporter:
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| Everett Smith |
I am writing in response to Vernon Derby's recent blog post about the water woes in Cooper's Hill, St. Andrew.
As someone deeply involved in water research and surveys during the late 1960s, I am troubled by the current state of water scarcity across Jamaica and the apparent disconnect between past research efforts and present solutions.
Having graduated from Cornwall College in 1968, I embarked on a career at the Public Works Department, specializing in land surveying and later joined the Groundwater Research and Surveys Department sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Our team conducted extensive surveys of Jamaica's rivers, meticulously measuring depth and velocity to assess the potential for water harnessing and storage.
It is disheartening to reflect on the significant resources and effort invested in these endeavours without witnessing tangible outcomes for Jamaica's water supply. Despite our thorough data collection and analysis, I am left wondering about the fate of that valuable information and its utilization by the current and past authorities responsible for water management.
Where are the water storage facilities that should have materialized from our research? Why have initiatives to dam rivers and tap into these potential water sources not been more widespread? I am particularly puzzled by the lack of progress in regions like Portland and St. Elizabeth, where majestic rivers were surveyed with the hope of benefiting Jamaica's populace.
I implore the Ministry overseeing the Water Research and Surveys Department to provide clarity on the status of our research data. Is this information accessible to the National Water Commission, and if so, why has it not been leveraged to address Jamaica's pressing water needs?
My commentary is not directed to one party or the other, but to remind those in charge that the research has been done and should be available to the NWC.
It is my sincere hope that this inquiry prompts a re-evaluation of past research efforts and inspires proactive measures to secure Jamaica's water future.
Yours faithfully,
Everett A Smith, Esq.
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8 comments:
Why, why, why is such valuable research information not utilized??? Meanwhil we continue to build and buil
Somebody is asleep at the wheel and ee know how that is going to end up.
Great points!
I am sick and tired of hearing of water shortage. That after a period of heavy rainfalls. It is pathetic. After all these years we still have not gotten it right. Is it that we have no one trained in these areas? May I suggest we import the skill or technology that will bring us into 2024. I am sick and tired of being told to conserve conserve conserve.
The land of wood and water???
I live here since 1985 and at NO TIME I heard of a plan to build additional Water Catchements. With all the new buildings going up Kingston would need 2 additional ones, and each Parish one!!!
Illuminating information Counsel. Imploring the relevant authorities to respond accordingly.
Water is something humans cannot live without. The extensive research that was done and is noted above (if it can be found) should be assigned to three different groups of experts , each to focus on one of the three counties on the island to develop strategies to harness and secure adequate sources of water to supply in a sustainable manner to the populous.
Well put Everett. There is so much information at our disposal. sustained and consistent implementation will take us out of the woods.
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