Residents of Somerset in Manchester now have access to free potable water, following the opening of a water shop in the area.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie officially opened the facility on Friday.

The Somerset water shop which was constructed at a cost of 21 million dollars, will provide 40 thousand gallons of potable water daily to residents.

To date four water shops have been constructed in Manchester.

Mr. McKenzie said the other three are in Marley Hill, Bellefield and Mile Gully.

Noting that the water shop cannot serve all residents, he said the Manchester Municipal Corporation is in the process of acquiring water trucks to provide the commodity to other citizens.