34 years later, no water on farm

THE EDITOR, Sir:

HAVING HEARD the constant call by successive administrations for agriculture to grow the economy, one gets the impression that far more reliance has been placed on agriculture than is warranted in terms of the amount being spent, particularly on infrastructural development. It would seem, also, that expenditure is laid out more for the purpose of generating votes than for economic reasons, where neglected communities could have made a substantial contribution to the growth of the economy.

I have chosen to catalogue my own experience in a community in St Catherine, where I have invested considerable funds in farming with the view of assisting the community in enjoying a better standard of living and perhaps help to contribute to my retirement.

With farming in my blood, I purchased 15 acres of land in Hartlands, St Catherine. I reasoned that with the growing population and proximity to Spanish Town, Kingston, Portmore and its environs, this should prove a good area for farming.

The roads were initially well prepared to encourage the purchase of the land and water pipes were laid throughout the property. We were told that water would be available on application to the parish council in Spanish Town.

SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS

A substantial amount of funds was invested in building a farmhouse, pigpens, a biogas plant and water-storage tanks. I should also mention that I planted five acres of coconuts, some of which came into bearing but later died, as it was not economic to maintain them, as the farm has been totally vandalised.

Readers might wish to know that Hartlands is located a mere 20-25 miles from Kingston. With the availability of water and electricity, it could be good for fish farming, chickens, cassava and growing vegetables.

Will someone please tell me why these areas have for decades been neglected. The lands in Hartlands were purchased in 1984. Thirty-four years later, water is still not available for farming on the land. CLIVE TAYLOR Kingston 8