KINGSTON, Jamaica- The Government is spending more than $15 billion, through its water agencies, to boost potable water systems across the island, says Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda.

He pointed out that the regular budget of the Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL) has been increased by $6 billion as part of its continuing drive to ensure that communities can have improved and regular access to water.

“We are investing a further $5 billion through the NWA (National Works Agency), to relay pipes on roads that are being rehabilitated under the $40-billion Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK) Programme,” the minister told his audience, at the recent breaking of ground for the $300-million Hampshire/Riversdale Water Supply System in St Catherine.

Samuda said the National Housing Trust (NHT), has a programme of work where they are improving roads, the sidewalks,  supporting infrastructure like pipes, and “investing several billion dollars into the water networks of these older communities” that were built by the Government of Jamaica long before the 1980s.

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), the minister reported, is at “midway in a $1-billion investment in Southern St James, so we are way over $15 billion being invested by agencies other than the National Water Commission into your water supply”.

“This is because of good management of the economy, good management of the country. But I do not want you to think that NWC (National Water Commission) is also not investing. The NWC is midway in a $4-billion investment now, and we expect to invest some $15 billion over the next 18 months, which, among other things, will enable a major pipeline that will see water move from Martha Brae (Trelawny) all the way into St James, and from the Great River all the way to western Westmoreland,” he said.

The RWSL is an agency of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, with a mission to design, plan, and implement potable water infrastructure. The NWC, which is also an agency of the Government, has a mission to “contribute positively” to national development by providing “high-quality” potable water and sewerage services to residents, and businesses in a “cost-effective and sustainable manner”.

Under Vision 2030 Jamaica, water is considered a fundamental strategic resource that is not only necessary for improved quality of life for the population but also one which could provide the country with a competitive advantage. The plan recognises the importance of sanitation and hygiene to support human health, protect ecosystems and reduce poverty.

Vision 2030 Jamaica is the country’s first long-term National Development Plan, which aims at enabling Jamaica to achieve developed country status by 2030.  It is based on a comprehensive vision: ‘Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business’.

– JIS

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