NWC says water supply network at Red Road Tank in Clarendon shut down for immediate remedial steps after teen boy drowns

The National Water Commission (NWC) says the water supply network at the Red Road Tank in Clarendon has been shut down for immediate remedial steps following the drowning of a 16-year-old boy on Wednesday.

He has been identified as Orville McLeod of Palmers Cross.

The NWC is expressing deep concern following the tragic incident.

The NWC, in a statement, explains that on April 4, NWC personnel discovered unauthorised individuals inside the facility during a routine inspection.

The individuals were instructed to leave the premises, and they complied.

Steps were taken to further secure the facility, including the installation of a new lock on the access point.

The water company says that on receiving reports of the drowning incident on April 8, it was discovered that the new lock that was installed days earlier had been forcibly removed again, allowing unauthorised individuals to gain access to the facility.

Meanwhile, the NWC is reminding the public that its facilities, such as storage tanks, dams and intakes, are not recreational spaces.

It said the spaces are restricted to safeguard the public from harm and protect critical infrastructure.

The NWC underscores that this kind of unauthorised entry threatens the integrity and quality of the water supplied to customers.

The public is also being assured that the matter is being taken seriously and that the Commission will be taking additional steps to further strengthen the security of the Red Road Tank and other facilities owned and operated by the NWC.

It notes that an updated notice will be provided to advise on the restoration timelines.

The Commission has extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.