KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Water and Special Projects, Ian Hayles, on Thursday warned that Jamaica’s water sector remains plagued by inadequate planning, uneven investment and financial instability, leaving too many Jamaicans without reliable access to potable water.

Making his contribution to the 2026 Sectoral Debate under the theme “Securing Jamaica’s Water Future: Accountability, Infrastructure, Results”, Hayles argued that despite repeated announcements and ambitious targets, significant gaps remain in both water access and service delivery.

“Water is life, yet in 2026 nearly one-quarter of Jamaican households remain unconnected to a potable water supply,” Hayles said.

He questioned the Government’s approach to water expansion projects, noting that the overwhelming majority of funding identified by the minister for water access projects is concentrated in constituencies represented by Government Members of Parliament.

“Jamaicans deserve a transparent system for identifying water projects, clear criteria for investment decisions and regular public reporting on progress,” he said.

Hayles also highlighted serious concerns regarding the financial health of the National Water Commission (NWC), citing recent findings from the Auditor General regarding liquidity challenges, mounting liabilities and persistent underperformance.

He further pointed to the longstanding issue of non-revenue water, which he said continues to account for a significant percentage of water produced by the NWC.

“The people of Jamaica deserve more than promises. They deserve a national water strategy that addresses access, reliability, affordability and long-term sustainability,” Hayles said.

The Opposition Spokesperson called for a comprehensive national water master plan that identifies underserved communities, addresses supply challenges and establishes measurable targets for expanding access across Jamaica.