KINGSTON, Jamaica — Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has suggested using tax incentives and discounts on building permit fees to promote the use of water-efficient plumbing and appliances.

The suggestion was made by the organisation’s president, Stephen Edwards, while he was addressing a Rotary Club of Kingston meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus today, G2K disclosed in a release.

The organisation noted that in July, the Meteorological (Met) Service of Jamaica issued a forecast for warmer-than-normal temperatures for the July to September period, and that the National Water Commission (NWC) has been encouraging Jamaicans to conserve water during the current period of below-average rainfall.

“Stronger storms, higher temperatures and prolonged periods of drought is the new normal for life in Jamaica. So, while Jamaica may be the land of wood and water, climate change is forcing us to manage our resources more efficiently. Developing a culture that is environmentally responsible is now a matter of urgency. Therefore, using public policy as a tool to encourage the efficient use of water is simply the right thing to do for the environment and for Jamaica,” Edwards was quoted as saying.

He commend the Government for the work that it is currently doing to rehabilitate the country’s water distribution network, outlining that the Government is currently carrying out a massive US$42.5 million project, funded by the IDB, to reduce theft, leaks and metering inaccuracies.

“Although the Jamaican economy is stable and on the right track it is still very sensitive. There are strictures that inhibit the granting of new allowances and concessions. We also have local wage agreements that hinge on the Government’s long-term projections.

“Therefore, incentivising the efficient use of water is not something that can be done at the stroke of a pen. It will require the buy-in and support of all Jamaicans, including the private sector, civil society groups and the unions. However, it is important that we have the discussion and treat the matter with urgency, given that we are already feeling the effects of climate change,” Edwards further stated.

Generation 2000 said it will be expanding the scope of its research to investigate other ways of incentivising ‘Green Building’ and ‘Eco-Friendly’ living in Jamaica.