NCBW Addresses Jackson, MS Ongoing Water System Failures
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For Further Information Contact: Alfreda Stukes
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NCBW Addresses Jackson, Mississippi’s Ongoing Water System Failures
Atlanta, GA, September 8, 2022 – Even though the water has been restored to all residents in Jackson, Mississippi after devastating flooding damaged the pumps at the city’s water treatment plant, state health officials say there still is more testing to do before the water is cleared safe to drink.
For almost a week, tens of thousands of residents had little or no sanitary water. No access to water to flush toilets or bathe. Not only was this unbearable for residents, but it was also a huge public health issue. On top of that, Jackson residents have been asked to continue to boil water after the city’s water system began to fail more than a month ago.
While the water pressure is back to normal levels, there are additional challenges to what is clearly a deteriorating system, which is of serious concern. State officials say there may be more bad days ahead for residents and that additional water system problems could pop up at any time.
It’s not a secret that Jackson’s water system had been failing before the recent flood. Residents have been dealing with disruptions and water main breaks for decades. We must also keep in mind Jackson is 82% black, and studies have revealed water inequality has been a major issue in communities of color.
“This crisis may shock people around the US and the world, but not those living in Jackson. It is a failure caused by historical and racist disinvestment in the majority-Black city, has been a long time coming” said Central Mississippi Chapter President, Rita Wray.
NCBW has one chapter in the Jackson Metropolitan area and our members have been actively involved in helping residents get through the water crisis. We are urging federal and state officials to discuss and quickly implement a complete overhaul of the city’s water system.
“We must hold federal and state officials accountable in addressing aging infrastructures that continue to contribute to the increasing incidents of water system failures in Black communities,” said National President Elizabeth A. Jones.
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The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated is a 40-year-old advocacy organization whose vision is that black women and girls will live in a world where socio-economic inequity does not exist. Thus, we advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. As a voice for millions of black women and girls in the United States, the Coalition believes in inclusion, respect, racial and social justice, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. For more information, visit the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. at www.ncbw.org.
