Earth Today | Clarendon group eyes water security, climate resilience
New parish project gets EFJ support
Published:Thursday | April 17, 2025 | 12:07 AM
THE CLARENDON Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society (CPDCBS) is to improve water supply for the community of Grantham in the parish, made possible through financial support from the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ).
The CPDCBS was among 10 local entities working in the environment sector to be awarded EFJ grants to the tune of more than $51 million to support their initiatives earlier this year.
Under the project dubbed ‘Improving Grantham’s Community Water System for Resilient Agriculture’, the CPDCBS – a voluntary organisation that provides a mechanism to coordinate the local planning, implementation and monitoring of development processes in Clarendon –will look to enhance agricultural sustainability given prevailing climate change realities and rehabilitate the community’s water infrastructure.
“The rural community of Grantham in upper Clarendon confronts a persistent water crisis, exacerbated by climate change-induced alterations in weather patterns. Prolonged and unpredictable drought periods, significantly below the 30-year normal rainfall levels, have led to acute water shortages, distressing the predominantly agrarian populace,” the benevolent society revealed.
“This project aims to upgrade the community’s water infrastructure, ensuring a safe and dependable water supply for community members including local farmers. In addition, this project will enhance the community’s water infrastructure and ensure a reliable and safe water supply,” it added.
The project will rehabilitate a 10,000-gallon water catchment system, including a new metal cover, plumbing upgrades, and a chlorination system to improve water qualityand protective reinforcements to safeguard the system.
The project also provides for community engagement and education, with the Grantham Jamaica Agriculture Society/Rural Agriculture Development Authority Farmers Group to receive training in climate-smart agriculture practices and water system maintenance.
“Through collaboration with the Clarendon Municipal Corporation and the Ministry of Health, this project will improve the water access, but also equip residents with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt to climate challenges, fostering long-term resilience and self-sufficiency,” the society said.
According to the CPDCBS, the project is to serve the development goals of the parish for which they are grateful to the EFJ.
“This project will strengthen the organisation’s drive to implement the aspects of parish’s local sustainable development plan. Additionally, the knowledge gained from the implementation of the project will empower the CPDCBS to assist other communities wishing to replicate the project,” the society said.
“Through the EFJ’s generous funding, this project will have a lasting impact on both the local community and our organisation, helping to enhance the technical expertise of our members and furthering our mission of supporting community-driven development,” the society noted.
“The successful completion of this project will also serve as a model for other communities, demonstrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts in addressing water scarcity and climate challenges,” it added.
The EFJ awarded the more than $51 million in grants during a ceremony hosted as part of their 28th annual general meeting in January.
Twenty-one million dollars of the allocated $51 million was awarded under the Forest Conservation Fund to Development Beyond Horizons, the Jamaica Environment Trust and the Source Farm.
Another $30 million was allocated for climate change adaptation projects to seven entities, including The UWI Port Royal Marine Lab, the Danny Williams School for the Deaf, the Council of Voluntary Social Services, and the Church of the Open Bible.
The EFJ, established in 1992, has, over the years, funded more than 1,600 projects in support of Jamaica’s environmental and child sectors. This latest set of projects specifically address climate change adaptation, alternative livelihoods, environmental conservation, innovation, research, and education and awareness.
“As the premier grant-making entity in Jamaica, EFJ remains committed to empowering communities, building capacity, fostering environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable development in the face of escalating climate challenges,” Barrington Lewis, chief executive officer at the EFJ told The Gleaner following their AGM.