NWC to undertake pump replacement, renewable energy projects
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Water Commission (NWC) will be embarking on pump replacement and installation of renewable energy systems projects to generate significant savings for the entity.
Addressing the recent commissioning of a water supply project in Wood Hall, Clarendon, Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, said that for water to become more accessible, energy costs must be reduced.
“We will be putting in a series of significant investments in renewable energy… that will target some of our more expensive distribution systems, and we are looking at savings in excess of $1 billion.”
As such, he noted that capital investment will be geared towards replacing water pumps in dire conditions.
Still, he indicated that because pumps in deplorable conditions are costly, their efficiency in energy usage and reliability will be assessed.
“We will be making a large capital investment in our pumping systems to ensure that the worst ones are changed out first,” he said.
“We will be looking at the worst pumps in terms of efficiency in energy usage and reliability, because the ones that break down the most cost the most to operate,” he added.
In addition, Samuda said that the savings from reduced costs will create fiscal space for the government to develop and expand water systems across the island.
He is calling on community members to assist in preventing illegal connections to NWC systems, as this robs legitimate customers of the commodity.
– JIS