WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Pipeline installation works have commenced in Negril, Westmoreland, under the Western Water Resilience Improvement Project as the Government says it continues to deliver on its commitment to strengthening water security across western Jamaica.

The Negril component forms part of phase one of the project, which involves the replacement and upgrading of critical water transmission infrastructure across sections of St James, Hanover and Westmoreland.

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, said the commencement of works demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to addressing longstanding water supply challenges through sustained investment in critical infrastructure.

“For years, residents and businesses across western Jamaica have faced challenges with the reliability of their water supply. This Government is making the investments necessary to address these issues in a meaningful and lasting way. The work now taking place in Negril is another demonstration of our commitment to delivering improved water infrastructure for the Jamaican people,” Samuda said.

The wider Western Water Resilience Project represents an investment of approximately US$425 million, with phase one valued at approximately US$176 million.

In Negril, the project will see the installation of approximately 13 kilometres of new 20-inch water transmission pipelines, strengthening the capacity and reliability of the water distribution network serving the resort town and surrounding communities.

The works are being implemented through the National Water Commission (NWC), with VINCI Construction Grands Projects serving as the contractor.

Samuda noted that the investment is particularly important to Negril, where growing residential and commercial demand, coupled with the needs of the tourism sector, requires a modern and resilient water supply system.

“This investment is about ensuring that Jamaican families can have greater confidence in their water supply, that businesses can operate with fewer disruptions, and that our tourism sector has the infrastructure necessary to support continued growth. We are not simply replacing pipes; we are building a more resilient water future for western Jamaica,” the minister added.

Acknowledging that construction activities may result in temporary traffic disruptions and inconvenience to residents, motorists and businesses, the ministry said the NWC and its contractors will continue to engage affected stakeholders and provide updates as the works progress.