Dear Editor,
The pressing need for water security demands comprehensive legislative reforms and proactive measures.
As the Water Resources Authority Act of 1995 governs water-related matters, its amendment is paramount to ensuring a sustainable and equitable water future. To enhance efficiency and foster innovation, opening up water-related projects to both local and international competitive bidding is crucial.
Recent climate challenges, exemplified by 2023's record-breaking temperatures and escalating drought incidents, underscore the urgency for a paradigm shift. Rainwater harvesting emerges as a potent solution, offering a clean freshwater source. Notably, open tanks present severe hazards, leading to tragic incidents of drownings, particularly among children and stray animals. These grim realities emphasise the need for immediate action to safeguard lives and promote responsible water management.
Moreover, the transformative potential of rainwater harvesting extends to urban areas. Integrating this practice into the Building Act of 2018 will not only fortify water resilience but also align with global sustainability goals. The vision extends to large structures in urban centres, necessitating collective efforts in rainwater recovery projects. A significant stride would be to update the Jamaican building code, encompassing not only alternative energy but also rainwater harvesting technologies, thereby elevating water quality standards.
Crucially, dismantling the exclusive licensing held by the National Water Commission (NWC) is pivotal. The Water Resources Authority Act reform must enable diverse competitors, fostering innovation and efficiency in water production and distribution. This shift is imperative to encouraging private sector investment and address water scarcity challenges comprehensively.
A reformed legislative landscape, inclusive bidding processes, and mandatory rainwater harvesting are linchpins for Jamaica's water resilience.
Essential changes are needed to secure the nation's water future and policymakers must act swiftly to implement these reforms. The time to forge a sustainable and resilient water future for Jamaica is now.
L H Deer
lindsworthdeer@outlook.com
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