NWC expresses deep concern following tragic incident at Red Road tank in Clarendon-09-APRIL-2026

To: News Editors April 9, 2026 NWC expresses deep concern following tragic incident at Red Road tank in Clarendon The National Water Commission (NWC) is expressing deep concern about a tragic incident at the Red Road water storage tank in Clarendon, which has resulted in the loss of a life. We extend our heartfelt condo lences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this extremely difficult time. While acknowledging the distress the incident has caused within the community , the Commission wishes to note that th e water supply network has been shut down for immediate remedial steps. An updated notice will be provided to advise on the restoration timelines. Preliminary reports indicate that on April 4, 2026, NWC personnel discovered unauthoris ed individuals inside the facility during a routine inspection. The individuals were instructed to leave the premises, and they complied. Steps were subsequently taken to further secure the facility, including the installation of a new lock on the access point. However, upon rec eiving reports of the drowning incident on April 8 , 2026, it was discovered that the new lock that was installed days earlier had been forcibly removed, again allowing unauthorised in di viduals to gain access to the facility. The NWC wishes to remind the public that its facilities, such as storage tanks, dams and intakes, are not recreational spaces. The spaces are restricted to safeguard the public from harm and protect critical infrastructure. In addition, this kind of unauthorised entry threatens the i ntegrity and quality of the water we supply to our customers. T he public is also being assured that the m atter is being taken seriously . Therefore, t he NWC will be taking additional steps to further strengthen the secu rity of the Red Road t ank and othe r facilities own and operated by the NWC. We are also appealing to community members to partner with us in protecting these vital facilities by re porting any suspicious activity they observe. The NWC remains committed to the safety of the communities we serve and to preventing incidents of this nature in the future. - END - CONTACTS: Corporate Public Relations Department 876 929 - 1128, 876 929 - 5430 - 5 Community Relations Department (Eastern) 876 929 - 3540 - 5 Toll Free 888 - 225 - 5692