KINGSTON, Jamaica – More than 50 triple-phase generators are on standby for deployment, with the aim of restoring potable water to 80 per cent of National Water Commission (NWC) customers within 72 hours following a storm.

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, made the disclosure during a special press briefing on national preparedness for Tropical Storm Melissa at Jamaica House on Friday.

He stated that the measure was introduced following Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 when several communities experienced delays in the restoration of piped water.

Samuda also noted that four rented mobile generators are available for deployment to communities identified as particularly vulnerable and at risk of prolonged disruption to potable water supply.

“This is a marked difference from the last time around. [These] generators will… allow people to fill their tanks, fill their storage facilities, backfill the lines and move to other systems,” he indicated.

The minister noted that the NWC is working in close collaboration with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to prioritise the restoration of water pumps serving critical infrastructure, including hospitals, infirmaries, and designated places of detention.

Samuda added that the ministry is partnering with municipal corporations islandwide and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to coordinate the trucking of water to affected communities once the all-clear has been issued.

– JIS