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The second biggest village in the district was having water problems; three thousand people were suffering because the pump operator hadn't been paid. Now, that's what you might call a dime holding up a dollar - and he says it is symptomatic of political meddling.

Hon. Oscar Requena, Toledo West
"The pump operator decided he is not pumping water, because he hasn't got paid. So he went on strike and this was confirmed by both the pump operator and the handpicked nominated chairman that he resigned and he didn't pump because he is on strike because he hasn't got paid. I say what a shame when political expediency takes precedence over the welfare of the community. It's a shame. That is politics at its worse and its worse to the detriment of the community and I say shame on them."

"Madam Speaker, the school - I spoke just this morning to the principal of the primary school and the principal was in communication with the village chairman who also communicated with me and both confirmed to me that the principal was so worried and his staff they were worried that if water did not come back on time that they were going to cancel classes."

The situation has since been resolved and Minister of State for rural development Dr. Carla Barnett says that all the water boards are about to be re-established in line with the outcome of village council elections.