Medical Officer of Health for St. Thomas, Dr. D’oyen Smith,  has highlighted that the widespread practice of household water storage is contributing significantly to the mosquito population in the parish.

He urged residents to properly cover water storage containers, particularly drums, as the current level of mosquito breeding is unacceptable.

Dr. Smith also raised concerns about the amount of chlorine being used to treat the water, noting that it poses a health risk to the local population.

He said that while his team is working diligently to reduce the mosquito population, it is crucial for households to take responsibility, as well.

Meantime, minority leader Hubert Williams criticised the National Water Commission (NWC) for the ongoing water shortage issue.  

Williams argued that until the problem is addressed, residents will continue to face an increase in mosquito breeding, at their homes.

They were speaking at the recent monthly meeting of the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation.