Contaminated water supply, negative community stigma, and inadequate educational facilities were among the issues raised by St. Ann residents during a town hall meeting in Ocho Rios, yesterday (May 4).

The meeting was hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who along with several other cabinet members, sought to respond to the concerns raised.

One woman from the Roaring River community displayed a bottle of brown coloured water, saying it was a sample of what is in their pipes.

She stated that the water is contaminated with worms and faeces.

Dr. Horace Chang, who has responsibility for water and housing, questioned if the poor water quality may be due to recent rains and turbidity.

The resident, however countered that they have been suffering with this problem for over 20 years with no resolution, despite numerous complaints.

The water minister promised to investigate the matter.

Another resident complained about the expense incurred by the Marcus Garvey Technical High school, to use the building at Mansfield in Ocho Rios, for its lower grade students.

He called for the Education Ministry to arrange for the lower school to use instead the old Seville training building that is across from the St. Ann’s Bay campus.

Education minister Ruel Reid, who was at the meeting, said he would look into the matter.

Meantime, a resident of Steer Town decried the negative stigma attached to the area because of crime, and its impact on persons seeking employment.

In response, Prime M Holness pointed out that the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), has been doing community intervention in Steer Town.