Phase eight of the Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP) will focus on the provision of  potable water to communities where bauxite mining is done.

Mining Minister Floyd Green says there are still critical communities that  suffer from fundamental deficiencies that must be addressed in the short term.

The Harmons community in Manchester is among those to benefit.

Mr. Green says too many communities where  bauxite mining has taken place still do not have access to potable water. 

The mining minister says Members of Parliament are to assist with the provision of information for the initiative.

Phase eight of BCDP was launched on Thursday, marking 30 years of investment in mining communities. 

The programme provides special funding for communities near bauxite and alumina operations, which face a number of challenges, including the effects of noise, dust, plant odours, spillages, a reduction in agricultural lands, the dereliction of mined-out lands and relatively low levels of infrastructural development and employment.