KINGSTON, Jamaica – People’s National Party (PNP) spokesperson on water, Ian Hayles is criticising the government for its management of water locally.

“For every four million gallons of water produced, three are not being paid for. This reflects poor resource management under the Jamaica Labour Party administration,” he said.

Citing data from the OUR’s 2023-2024 annual report, Hayles pointed out that non-revenue water (NRW)—water produced but not paid for by the NWC —remains at 74.3 per cent, showing no improvement over the past six years despite investments in initiatives such as smart water meters.

In highlighting what he described as the near impossibility of government meeting its promised commitments given the state of the National Water Commission (NWC) and the broader water sector, Hayles said: “Communities in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and St Ann continue to suffer, even after high-profile declarations of immediate solutions to ease the impact of low or no supply. The administration has no real strategy to address where water is needed, how to ensure coverage, or how to modernise the sector to support livelihoods and improve standards of living. Jamaicans are suffering.”

Additionally, while welcoming the suggested moratorium to pensioners and PATH beneficiaries that will allow them to regularise their accounts with the NWC he noted the inequity for the few paying customers of the NWC or others who wish to regularise their accounts, citing widespread economic hardship.

“With 75 per cent of those receiving water not paying for it, the government must go beyond token measures. A nationwide moratorium on sewerage charges, for example, or facilitating an extended payment timeline for regularising accounts would help alleviate the financial strain many households are under, ensuring fairness and fostering better long-term compliance,” Hayles said.

Hayles criticised what he described as the government’s patchwork solutions, including recent announcements about major short to medium projects that have yet to start or deliver tangible benefits.

The Opposition spokesperson also echoed concerns from the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) regarding the water sector’s poor performance, characterised by low service quality, high operating costs, and inadequate access to potable water and sewerage services. The situation, compounded by climate change and prolonged droughts, underscores the urgency of strategic action, Hayles said.

“The Government is quick to make promises but comes up dry when it comes to delivering results. Jamaicans deserve better, and it is time for comprehensive solutions to address the deep-rooted issues in the water sector,” Hayles said.