We, the undersigned residents of Hanover Parish, Jamaica, urgently petition Prime Minister Andrew Holness to take swift action to alleviate the dire water shortage crisis plaguing our communities. Despite the presence of numerous water sources in Hanover Parish, potable water has become increasingly scarce, posing a significant threat to our livelihoods and local economy. The current severe drought conditions in Hanover Parish have exacerbated the situation, forcing residents to purchase water from trucks at exorbitant rates, sometimes up to 10 times their normal National Water Commission (NWC) bill. Shockingly, some areas, like Lucea, have endured water pipe dry spells since the beginning of the year. We are deeply concerned that without immediate intervention, this water scarcity could have devastating effects on our community\'s well-being and economic stability. It is particularly distressing considering Hanover\'s abundant river sources, yet the residents suffer from such a severe water shortage crisis. We recall the proposal made by Dr. Richard Meggoe in April 2017, recommending the use of funds from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to enhance the potable water supply to Negril, citing the strain on the Logwood treatment plant due to rapid development. This proposal outlined a plan to develop a water-supply system at Roaring River, Westmoreland, benefiting Negril and surrounding communities with approximately seven million gallons of water daily, at an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. Moreover, Prime Minister Holness, during your budget presentation in 2019, you pledged to connect Negril to Roaring River within the fiscal year via 33 kilometres of pipelines, recognizing the critical need for such infrastructure development. Therefore, we implore you Prime Minister Andrew Holness to fulfill this promise by utilizing funds from the TEF to expedite the connection of Negril to Roaring River. This project aligns with the TEF\'s objective of sustainable development and would significantly alleviate the water crisis in both Hanover and Westmoreland parishes. Additionally, we urge the government to consider constructing a dam in the west to ensure a reliable water supply for Hanover and Westmoreland during periods of drought, safeguarding the well-being and prosperity of our communities. Prime Minister Holness, we beseech you to prioritize the welfare of all Jamaican citizens, including those residing in Hanover Parish, by taking decisive action to address this pressing water shortage crisis. Failure to act promptly will only exacerbate the suffering and economic hardships faced by our community. We earnestly await your immediate attention and proactive measures to resolve this urgent matter. Sincerely, Residents of Hanover
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