August 26, 2026

Schools in Drought-Affected Communities Ensure Adequate Water Ahead of Resumption

With the new academic year to begin next month, schools in drought affected communities are making preparations to ensure they have adequate water supply.

Yesterday, Water Minister Matthew Samuda expressed that no school should have to close because of water challenges and the national water commission has been tasked with trucking water to schools where necessary.

IRIE FM News spoke with school administrators in St. Ann today to find out how prepared their institutions are or the return of students amid the ongoing drought.

Principal of St. Ann Preparatory School, Beverly Edwards says private schools face greater challenges in accessing government assistance.

She says her school would welcome support to ensure there is enough water particularly if the situation worsens.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Ocho Rios Primary School, Michael Belnavis says it should be business as usual when classes resume.

He says while the school has sufficient water storage capacity, contingency measures are being put in place to ensure the commodity can be accessed alternatively if challenges arise.