More than 21,000 customers of the National Water Commission (NWC), who have been disconnected for more than six months, have so far made use of the amnesty being offered by the state-owned company as at March 14.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the water utility has written off over $600 million of debt while collecting more than $207 million in arrears.

He was giving an update on the amnesty during his recent contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives.

The prime minister noted that the amnesty has benefitted pensioners, PATH recipients, and members of the disabled community with up to a 100 per cent reprieve and up to 50 per cent for other categories of customers.

He first announced the amnesty at the Jamaica Labour Party annual conference last November.

“Total reconnections so far total 3,271, with a further 5,135 awaiting reconnections. This has yielded over J$207 million in revenue collected for the NWC that would have been uncollectible otherwise. We have also written off over J$600 million of debt from those who most needed it, restoring the supply of water and returning dignity to households,” Holness said.

“This programme is helping our most vulnerable. As such I have instructed the National Water Commission to extend the programme for a further two months,” he said.