Navajo Mountain desperate for water

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Office of the Speaker has been helping to coordinate efforts with various governmental entities to get the water supply returned to the Navajo Mountain community and to keep community roads operational.

The Navajo Mountain community has experienced a water supply shortage because of damage to the system from recent adverse weather conditions.

“Our office will continue to coordinate these efforts until the problems are resolved and the community’s water supply has been restored,” Speaker Lawrence Morgan said. “We have been working diligently to gather numerous resources to help clear the roads and make them safe once again for local residents.”

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has been hauling water to the community; however, harsh road conditions made it impossible for the large trucks to deliver the water.

Because of the steep, mountainous terrain of BIA Road N 16, keeping the road clear of ice and snow has been a challenge. The Navajo Nation, the BIA, and San Juan County, Utah, have been working around the clock to address the issue.

“It’s a local effort,” said Omar Bradley, BIA regional director. “We’re making our best effort to keep the roads open and drivable.”

The water pipe in the community was affected in the early part of last week, and the community has been monitoring its water usage since.

“At this point in time, we’re out there taking dirt and gravel and hauling water to the community,” Kenneth Maryboy, council delegate for Red Mesa/Aneth/Mexican Hat, said.

Maryboy also has helped coordinate efforts through his work as a commissioner for San Juan County. San Juan County declared a state of emergency for the community early last week, and equipment was brought in to grade and gravel local roads. Western Navajo Agency road operations also have been coordinating with Navajo Mountain Chapter.

Water is being delivered to the community with smaller trucks, and although large trucks cannot drive on some of the roads, many local residents are still able to make their way in and out of the community with their own vehicles.

The Speaker’s Office also has been helping coordinate similar efforts in other communities. Entities are currently on standby, if adverse weather conditions should persist.

“We cannot predict or control the weather, but we are certainly making every effort to address the problem at hand,” Morgan said. “I commend the team efforts of everyone involved in helping to resolve the problem, and we will all continue to support the Navajo Mountain community during this stressful time.”