Opposition Spokesperson on Water Ian Hayles has condemned the Government dismantling the Rapid Response Unit geared towards supplying water to residents during a drought.

Hayles in a statement on Thursday (April 11), said several trucks were procured by the last People’s National Party (PNP) administration to form part of the fleet of trucks in the Rapid Response Unit to manage the nation’s water crisis.

However, he noted that when the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) assumed office in 2016, it dismantled the Rapid Response Unit, which at the time was equipped with 39 trucks dedicated to addressing emergency water supply needs.

“It is deeply concerning that in the face of such dire circumstances, the government has failed to implement a proactive and sustainable strategy to manage the current drought,” he said. “The decision to dismantle the Rapid Response Unit has left communities vulnerable and without adequate support during times of water scarcity,” the shadow minister said.

“The government has a responsibility to prioritise the well-being of its citizens and safeguard their access to clean and reliable water,” Hayles said. “We cannot afford to continue neglecting the urgent needs of communities facing drought. Immediate action is needed to mitigate the impacts of the crisis and ensure water security for all Jamaicans.”

Hayles, who is also MP-caretaker for Western Westmoreland on a People’s National Party (PNP) ticket, said the drought situation echoes the challenges faced by residents in Negril, which prompted him along with councillor Artel Colley to donate water tanks to the Negril Primary School.

Hayles is appealing to the government to take steps to mitigate the impacts of the current drought by reactivating the Rapid Response Unit, increasing investment in water conservation and management, as well as prioritising the maintenance and upkeep of essential water infrastructure, including water treatment plants, pipelines and reservoirs.