Old Habour residents disgusted with NWC's persistent disruption

In conversations shared on community platforms and seen by *Old Harbour News*, residents have voiced their grievances about the unreliable service, which leaves them scrambling to collect water in buckets and hampers their ability to carry out basic daily tasks.

“I don’t know if its unique to Rhone Park or if it is an Old Harbour thing, but every single week, as it reaches Thursday, we have no water, or we have to be catching water in buckets,” one resident commented in the community’s WhatsApp group. “It’s really disgusting now because people can’t bathe, cook or even clean them house properly. We have contacted the water commission and it’s zero care or even to get any answers.”

“I think it is full time now we get some answers from the water commission as to what is the situation with the water. Every time one needs to shower you have to be catching a bucket of water. I’m up from before 4:00 am and can hardly get water to wash my face,” complained another resident.

Some residents surmised that the constant disruption in service is due to the growing demand for water in Old Harbour given its rapid development as the fastest growing residential township in Jamaica.

“I mentioned a few months ago that the water system doesn’t seem to be improving any time soon, especially with new housing schemes being added to the current supply line the pressure will continue to be reduced or you want have any,” wrote a resident, before urging neighbours to invest in water storage tanks.

Another homeowner said “what is going on? Why is this community not been served… this is not right and will create health issues… water is essential. I am disappointed.”

A frustrated resident added, saying it is “so irritating. I was home today and I can’t believe that after not having water throughout, it only returned for a few and is gone again.”

Obryan Leighton, the People’s National Party (PNP) councillor candidate for Old Harbour Central Division, expressed surprise that the water issue has resurfaced after similar complaints were previously addressed following discussions with the NWC. He assured residents that he would contact the NWC to resolve the matter quickly.

Meanwhile, Councillor Steve Graham of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) stated that while he was unaware of the specific situation in Rhone Park, he has received similar complaints from residents in Claremont Drive, Burke Road, Claremont Close, and Succaba.

“Residents have been reporting that the water often goes out on weekends, especially Sundays, and sometimes during the week,” Graham told *Old Harbour News*. He noted that the NWC has yet to issue any official statement or bulletin regarding the ongoing disruptions.

Old Harbour News has reached out to a senior official at the NWC for comment and is awaiting a response. All affected communities are served by the NWC’s Claremont facility.