KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government, Natalie Neita-Garvey, says she is not convinced that 65 per cent of fire hydrants across the country are in working order.

She questioned the 65 per cent figure given by the Minister of Local Government, Desmond McKenzie, as she posed questions to him during last Friday’s sitting of the Standing Finance Committee that examined the 2025/26 Estimates of Expenditure ahead of the Budget Debate which begins on Tuesday.

“Hydrants for me are a matter of grave concern and I do not believe that sufficient resources are being expended to be able to repair our fire hydrants,” Neita-Garvey told the minister. She pointed to a slight cut in the budget for the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), specifically as it relates to equipment.

Neita Garvey highlighted that in some communities there are no working fire hydrants.

“Given the levels of fires we’re experiencing, I would like to know what are the plans to really put a programme in place to upgrade our fire hydrants and to ensure that they are in good working condition?” she enquired.

Responding, McKenzie admitted that there was a shortage of fire hydrants in some areas but said more than 300 new fire hydrants were installed across the country in 2024.

“We intend to provide some more resources this year. I know that there has been a relationship developed between the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the National Water Commission as it relates to the question of fire hydrants. One of the things that has also been done is that where new roads [are constructed] or improvement to roads are going to be undertaken, the involvement of the Jamaica Fire Brigade is sought so that if there are no hydrants at those locations, that hydrants are installed,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that two new teams are being put in place to address the issue of fire hydrants across the country.

“It is expected to employ a number of individuals, specifically for the maintenance and support of fire hydrants,” said McKenzie.

Unconvinced, Neita-Garvey pressed the minister, urging him to get an update from the JFB regarding the number of non-functioning hydrants.

“I would say that the majority of our fire hydrants, about 65 per cent are in working condition,” McKenzie said to which Neita Garvey responded, “I would challenge that”.

The Opposition spokesperson said she was concerned about the reduction in the budget for firefighting and rescue services equipment.

“I’m not sure why it is that we’re not seeing an increase in the budget given what we’re experiencing with fires and the length of time it’s taking for our fire trucks to get to the homes and to fires. By the time they get there in recent times you notice that people have had complete loss of their homes and its content,” Garvey-Neita said.

McKenzie sought to assure that the reduction in the amount allocated was not significant and reminded that “over the past couple of years we [the Government] have provided resources that have brought the organisation up to its ability in terms of firefighting equipment”.