News

Mandeville residents disgusted about water problem

By GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

Deputy Mayor of Mandeville, Sally Porteous (centre) and Vice-President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Jean Anderson (right) and other residents who protested in Mandeville, Manchester last week. - Contributed

SPALDINGS, CLARENDON:

MANDEVILLE'S WORSENING WATEr woes forced a group of prominent members of that rural town, headed by its Deputy Mayor Sally Porteous, as well as Vice-President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Jean Anderson, to take to the streets in disgust last week.

The group, numbering about 20, congregated in front of the National Water Commission's office along Ward Avenue on Wednesday from as early as 8:30 a.m., holding placards, under the watchful eyes of a police team, headed by superintendent Horace Sangster.

However the lawmen had no difficulty, as Deputy Mayor Porteous told THE STAR that the protest was meant to be peaceful, as the group was only there to send a message to the powers that be that the town needed water.

Numerous calls

Mrs. Porteous said the protest came following numerous calls for those responsible, especially the Government, to have the state of the water supply in the Manchester capital improved, but without success.

She noted that the state of the water supply in Mandeville and surrounding communities was unacceptable, as there was either no water or low supplies, making it difficult for persons to acquire the precious commodity.

She stated that the entire parish has been experiencing a prolonged drought, and bush fires and other fires have had fire personnel in Mandeville extremely busy, while they try to cope with inadequate resources.

The Deputy Mayor said last month there were some 116 fires to be put out by the fire department and that there was not sufficient water available for fire engines.