ST JAMES, Jamaica—Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda, says ongoing investments in wastewater and water-supply infrastructure are vital to strengthening Jamaica’s environmental resilience and safeguarding the nation’s coastal assets.

Speaking during the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) 65th Annual Awards Luncheon, held recently at Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, St Ann, Samuda noted that the Government is undertaking capital investments in the water and sewage sector “at a rate that has never been done… certainly in my lifetime”.

He highlighted several wastewater management projects now under way, including the relocation and construction of a new sewage treatment facility for Negril, engineering work on a comprehensive wastewater system in Falmouth, upgrades from secondary to tertiary treatment systems, improvements to wastewater infrastructure in Port Antonio, and assessments of additional requirements in Portmore.

The minister further informed that the Government has authorised the National Water Commission (NWC) to relocate and construct a brand-new sewage treatment facility to serve Negril.

He stressed that wastewater management and environmental protection must go hand in hand, underscoring that healthy coastal ecosystems are essential to preserving Jamaica’s natural resources.

Samuda noted that the Government remains committed to modernising Jamaica’s water and environmental infrastructure, while collaborating with stakeholders to build resilience against climate change and other emerging challenges.

In the meantime, he pointed to increased capital investment in the water sector and major infrastructure projects currently underway across western Jamaica.

These include the Western Resilience Water Project, which entails upgrades to transmission mains from the Martha Brae Water Treatment Plant to Montego Bay, and from the Great River Water Treatment Plant to western Westmoreland.

Samuda advised that the first phase of the project will concentrate on improving water distribution and enhancing supply stability across western Jamaica.

He added that the Government is upgrading the Martha Brae and Great River treatment plants, while constructing new water treatment facilities in Rio Bueno and Westmoreland to strengthen national water resilience.

-JIS