JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba held a news conference on Tuesday to give an update on the city’s response to low water pressure after last week’s winter storms.
The mayor said the water crisis was an “act of God” and not a failure of his administration or any individual. Lumumba also spoke out against what he called misinformation from Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes.
“We’ve done everything we could to secure tankers and was doing that before his rant. He talked about the tanker that was in South Jackson but failed to mention that it was the administration that is paying for that tanker. It is the administration that had the agreement with the tanker,” said Lumumba. “We’re leaving from council meetings distributing water to everybody across the city.”
Stokes is expected to address the mayor’s remarks during a news conference on Wednesday.
Leaders announced a water tanker was made available in Ward 3. The tanker is located at 3200 Bailey Avenue, and it will be available from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23.
Public Works Director Dr. Charles Williams said there were up to 28 water main breaks in the city. So far, 10 breaks have been repaired. He expects the water issues to be resolved by the end of the week.
Neighbors in South Jackson tend to get hit the hardest when the city has water issues. On TV Road, there is a booster station that used to be filled with water from 2014 to 2017. Now, it’s empty. Dr. Williams said it cannot be used until it reaches health standards.
“Not right now. We’re still in a compliance issue with the State Health Department, and until we can satisfy those compliance issues, we will not be able to use that booster station,” he stated.
There’s no timeframe on when the compliance issues at the booster station will be fixed.
Leaders said the volume of calls to 311 continues to overwhelm the system. They’re asking neighbors to reserve calls for visible water leaks and urgent needs for assistance. In addition to 311, neighbors can also call 601-960-1111 or 601-960-1778.
The Water Sewer Business Administration lobby will be temporarily closed starting February 23 until water is restored to the building. Customers will have multiple options to be able to pay bills.
- Visit online https://webpayments.billmatrix.com/JacksonMSWater
- The Metrocenter will continue to be assessable to drop off check or money orders by way of drop box Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- For additional services please email WSBA@jacksonms.gov and a Customer Service Representative will assist you. For those customers that do not have access to the internet, assistance is still available by contacting the Deputy Director at 601-213-8778.
- Alternative WSBA cash payment locations:
- Wal-Mart Store #00903, 2711 Greenway Dr. Jackson, MS 39204 – 601-922-3406
- Food Depot, 3188 W. Northside Dr. Jackson, MS 39213 – 601-321-0520
- Star Grocery, 1723 Bailey Ave. Jackson, MS 39203 – 601-352-3381
- Westside Texaco, 5211 HWY 80 W. Jackson, MS 39209 – 601-922-8337
- Food Depot, 2861 Terry Rd. Jackson, MS 39212 – 601-346-5170
- Blacks Mini Mart, 3407 W. Capitol St. Jackson, MS 39209 – 601-272-2502
- Star Zone, 311B West Northside Dr. Jackson, MS 39206 – 601-238-5102
- Wal-Mart Store #06469, 131 Handley Blvd. Byram, MS 39272 – 769-237-0460
- Money Man Check Cashing, 4329 N. State St. Jackson, MS 39206 – 601-987-9985
- Mississippi Discount Drugs, 224 Clinton Blvd. Clinton, MS 39056 – 601-924-5212
- Kroger #345, 4910 I55 North Jackson, MS 39211 – 601-366-1141
- Discount Pawn Payment Center, 3770 HWY 80 West Jackson, MS 39209 – 601-923-8999
- Kroger #490, 6745 S. Siwell Rd. Byram, MS 39272 – 601-863-2001
