Residents of Wickie Wackie in St. Andrew are growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing water crisis in their community. For years, the water flowing from their taps has been tainted with a reddish hue, accompanied by frequent water disruptions. Yet, they are still being charged by the National Water Commission (NWC) for a service that many say is unfit for use.
Natshon Edwards, a local resident, traces the problem back nearly two years, coinciding with the commencement of construction on the Southern Coastal Highway. He shared a troubling email correspondence with the NWC’s Customer Care Unit from last year, where he first raised concerns about the poor water quality. Despite providing his premises number, Edwards claims he received no meaningful response until he followed up weeks later, prompting a visit from an NWC representative only two months after his initial complaint.
According to Edwards, the NWC confirmed that the water lacked chlorine and was not fit for consumption. However, the solution provided—bleeding the hydrant every few weeks—has offered only temporary relief. Despite these efforts, the water quickly returns to its contaminated state.
Frustrated with the lack of action, Edwards has resorted to purchasing water tanks, which cost him $20,000 per month to fill. Although his monthly NWC bill is only $1,500, he insists it’s unfair to be charged for water he cannot use. “It’s unbearable,” he stated, explaining that he has to wait weeks before he can wash with the water, and even then, only dark clothes can be cleaned.
Longtime resident Evelyn Graham has also experienced these water issues for years. “It scratches your skin when you bathe with it,” she said, adding that the water’s red color often stains clothes. She too has resorted to purchasing drinking water, spending extra money to ensure her family has access to clean water.
Imani Tafari-Ama, another resident, has taken matters into her own hands by installing a double filtration system. Despite her efforts, she still faces discolored water, which she says is due to compromised pipes. “The pipes need to be re-piped,” Tafari-Ama emphasized, noting that sediments continue to enter the system, rendering her filters less effective.
Dahlia, a resident of over 30 years, believes the clay pipes may be contributing to the sediment issue. She highlighted that while some pipes have been replaced, frequent bursts and poor maintenance continue to cause disruptions. “We need a structured approach to solving this,” she said, calling for better filtering solutions and a long-term plan to address the problem.
As the situation persists, residents are left in a difficult position—paying for substandard water while hoping for a permanent solution to the problem. The community is calling for immediate action from the NWC to ensure that they can access clean and reliable water without the constant inconvenience and expense.
