MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, on Tuesday officially commissioned into service the $35 million Spicy Hill Pipeline Project in Trelawny.

This new water infrastructure, spearheaded by the National Water Commission (NWC), will benefit approximately 1,152 residents in the growing rural community, providing them with improved access to potable water.

It will regularise water access, reduce water loss and enhance operational efficiency to allow for more precise tracking and management of water consumption.

“This is a momentous occasion for Spicy Hill because it is the Government moving one step closer to fulfilling its commitment, which is to provide potable water to all citizens by 2030,” Minister Samuda said.

He extended commendations to the NWC team for completing the project under budget and on schedule.

Minister Samuda urged the residents, who are not formally connected to the NWC system to take advantage of the offer of a 50 per cent reduction on their first bill to get regularised.

For persons with outstanding water bills, he reminded them that there will be a 90-day amnesty in January where they will have the opportunity to “clean up” their accounts without penalty.

The new pipeline spans 2.5 kilometres and comprises 1.3 kilometres of 2-inch galvanised pipeline; 600 metres of 1-inch galvanised pipeline; 600 meters of 2-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipeline as well as service laterals.

Spicy Hill resident, Sheree Morrison-Clarke, said she is grateful for the new and improved water services.

“It is truly a great initiative because I know water is life and we can’t do anything without water. So, the fact that we are getting this precious commodity, we are truly grateful. I just want to say thanks to everyone that has made it possible for this to happen,” Morrison-Clarke said.

– JIS