An elated Lilith Hillocks says the first thing she will do when she gets water from her taps is have a sip and wash her face. (Photos: Ingrid Henry)
Piped water after 50 years
PORT MARIA, St Mary — For more than 50 years Lilith Hillocks has not seen piped water in her Mason Hall, St Mary, home. The only source available to her and her 95-year-old mother was either through rain harvesting or travelling a few miles to Eden Park or Jacks River.
“My mother is the oldest person in the community, and she has never seen piped water running,” Hillocks told the Jamaica Observer.
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“Sometimes we don’t have the money to purchase the water, and it is worse when there’s no rain,” she added.
Hillocks is elated that is all behind them now.
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Last Friday phase one of the Mason Hall Water Supply Project was commissioned into service. Hillocks and her mother are among thousands of residents who will benefit. In addition to Mason Hall, the project is expected to provide a consistent supply of water to communities such as Salmon Hill, Marson Town and Bandro Hill.
“It was rough but now it will be easy,” said a grateful Hillocks.
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“I’m so happy! When I turn on the pipe, I’m going to wash my face and drink the water,” she added.
The first phase of the project had a $70-million price tag. According to minister with responsibility for water Matthew Samuda the second phase, which will cost more than $100 million, will get underway at the top of the next fiscal year. Work will include renovation of the lift station and expansion of pipelines. Another 1,500 residents will benefit from that phase.
The project has three phases in total.
As is typically done when new water supplies are commissioned, Samuda used the opportunity to urge residents to become clients of the National Water Commission.
