In a heated monthly meeting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation, Councillor Ian Bell of the People’s National Party (PNP) for the Beecher Town Division took a firm stance, refusing to proceed with the agenda until he received a satisfactory update on the refurbishment of a contaminated water tank in Epworth. The tank, the sole water source for the community, has been tainted with frog remains, a critical issue Bell raised during the previous month’s meeting. Despite assurances that the superintendent had been instructed to address the problem, Bell expressed frustration over the lack of progress, stating, ‘Today, nothing has been done at that tank.’
Mayor Michael Belnavis of St Ann’s Bay attempted to calm the situation, but Bell’s concerns were only partially addressed when Saad Williams, the corporation’s chief engineering officer, provided an update. Williams revealed that a second assessment of the tank had determined the allocated budget was insufficient for temporary repairs. A revised estimate is now being prepared, and the project awaits additional funding before any action can be taken. The delay has left the Epworth community without access to clean water, highlighting ongoing challenges in local infrastructure management.