NWC mulls contracting private trucks to deliver water to drought affected areas

The National Water Commission (NWC)is considering contracting private trucks to deliver water to the worst drought affected areas of the island, with priority to be given to hospitals, schools and public institutions.

The NWC president, Albert Gordon, says this is part of a number of long and short-term measures being implemented to minimise the impact of the drought conditions now affecting the country.

Gordon says an assessment has revealed that at least 38 trucks are required to service all the areas that have sought assistance, but says that the NWC has only one truck in each parish presently.

Among the long-term plans being pursued by the NWC is the purchasing of additional water trucks and engaging the assistance of the Rural Water Supply Limited to repair a number of the wayside tanks in rural areas.

The NWC president was speaking at a meeting of the Drought Management Committee on Friday.