NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Matthew Samuda has indicated that work is underway to address the recurring problem of insufficient electricity supply affecting some National Water Commission (NWC) systems across the island.

“I can advise that [Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport] Minister [Daryl] Vaz has convened a formal working group between JPS (Jamaica Public Service Company) to look at the issue in a very serious way,” Samuda told Negril stakeholders during a recent meeting.

The stakeholders — including representatives of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Negril Chapter, and the Negril Chamber of Commerce — met with Samuda at the James Hunter Event Centre at the Boardwalk Shopping Village in Negril, last Thursday.

Hotelier Sophia Grizzle Roumel raised concerns about the capability of the JPS to supply consistent electricity to NWC water systems as she noted that the State-owned entity has indicated that water supply disruptions were caused by issues with the electricity supply.

Samuda explained to the meeting that, for the most part, pumps utilised by the NWC are British equipment that require three-phase electricity to operate.

Three-phase electricity systems are primarily used in commercial and industrial settings for motors and other equipment that require huge power. This type of system is generally more efficient and can handle larger loads compared to a single-phase system.

Single-phase electricity — mostly in residential settings — uses one active wire and one neutral wire, while three-phase electricity employs three active wires that are 120 degrees out of phase and may or may not have a neutral wire.

“There is nothing more frustrating to citizens than turning on their lights and you telling them that the pump does not have energy because they don’t understand that they are using single phase at their house and these pumps because of their share size require triple-phase,” explained Samuda.

“So, it is a fact that many times we do not have sufficient energy to run that operation. That is something that JPS is very clear on and we are working with them to resolve it,” added Samuda.

He said there are approximately 15 critical systems that the JPS was asked to prioritise. Among the systems is the Logwood Treatment Plant in Hanover, which supplies sections of Hanover and Westmoreland, including Negril, with a potable water supply.