Frustration mounts as prolonged water crisis deepens in Old Harbour

Old Harbour News understands that the disruption is linked to an internal electrical fault affecting facilities operated by the National Water Commission (NWC). The situation has triggered growing concern across multiple communities, with customers describing it as not just inconvenient, but unbearable, particularly amid intense heat conditions.

Despite repeated advisories and updates from the utility company, residents say relief has been slow and inconsistent.

Corporate Public Relations Manager at the NWC, Delano Williams, confirmed that the disruption stems from challenges affecting the Claremont and Marlie Mount pumping systems.

“There are two pumps, the Claremont facility and the Marlie [Mount] facility, which is augmented by the Claremont pump,” Williams explained. “We are aware of the issue at the Claremont facility and have been issuing notices and sending text alerts to customers with active numbers to guide them on any challenges that may disrupt their supply.”

He added that trucking efforts have been deployed to ease the strain.

“Once we are made aware of a problem and we are able to, we will transport water to customers. Even Thursday, trucks were in the affected areas responding to requests while we work to bring the pumps back online,” he said.

However, for many residents, those measures have not been enough.

One Marlie Acres resident said her household has been without water since the previous week Monday, describing the situation as “tremendous” in its impact.

“A lot of children can’t go to school because of the crisis. The time is very hot and we are suffering. We want to take showers more often because of the heat and we can’t even do that, I have a lot of dirty clothes to wash and I can’t even wash them” she said, while requesting that her identity is publicised. 

The resident also highlighted the growing financial burden, explaining that even sourcing water has become difficult and expensive.

“I can’t even get water to buy when I go into town. I come home with my bottles empty, and when I do get some, it cost me $3,500,” she added.

Her concerns echo those of several others who say the issue has become a recurring pattern, particularly during the warmer months.

“Every year near summertime it’s the same thing. Last year it took three full weeks for water to come back. I heard that whenever the time get too hot, they turn off the pump because they don’t want it to burn up and I totally believe.” she alleged. 

Businesses are equally strained. A representative from Juici Patties in Old Harbour reported that the disruption has significantly affected operations, limiting their ability to function at full capacity and meet customer demand.

In a further update issued to customers and stakeholders on April 24, the NWC acknowledged that restoration efforts have been delayed due to additional equipment issues at its Claremont facility, noting that more work is now required on the pump.

The company confirmed that several areas — including Old Harbour town, Claremont, Bodles, Belmont Park, Myton Gully Bridge, Rhone Park and Esquivel Villas — remain affected by low pressure or no water conditions.

To provide temporary relief, the NWC has implemented a weekly water trucking system across affected communities and is urging customers to request the service through its toll-free line at 888-225-5692.

Under the current arrangement, water is trucked to Old Harbour Glades and Claremont on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Areas including Bodles, Belmont Park Housing Scheme, Myton   Gully Bridge, Rhone Park Housing Scheme and Esquive Villas are scheduled to receive deliveries on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Still, for many residents, the wait continues with no clear timeline for full restoration, as frustration grows and daily routines remain disrupted.