Herman Fagan, Vice President of Operations at the National Water Commission (NWC), has outlined that the entity continues efforts to expand access, improve reliability and ensure the sustainability of water services across the island.

Fagan said the NWC has been focusing on two major water initiatives, which include the Ferry to Rockpond pipeline project and the recently completed Forest Hill solar PV panel installation. “We know the value of the investment. Many residents are putting their hopes on a reliable water supply to achieve the comfort and peace of mind they seek after a long day at work,” he said.

The Ferry to Rockpond pipeline project, Fagan said, is a transformational infrastructure investment valued at about $1 billion.

Of this amount, $476 million is dedicated to pipeline works, while $505 million covers mechanical and electrical upgrades, including the construction of two relief stations and the installation of two 50,000-gallon storage tanks.

“This project is set to directly benefit over 26,000 residents across several communities in Western St Andrews, including Red Hills, Belvedere, Rockpond, Cyprus Hall, Mosquito Valley, Plantation Heights, Brentwood, Stanmore, Tom Cringle and Struan Castle. Many of whom have faced persistent water supply challenges, especially with the growing population that exists,” Fagan added.

The operations director said that the works include the installation of over 7.2 kilometres of 12-inch ductile iron pipe supported by the construction of new pumping infrastructure and the rehabilitation of the ferry component.

“This will supplement the existing forest health system, which will improve service reliability and reduce pressure on the Forest Hill Deepwell while enhancing overall customer satisfaction,” Fagan continued.

Additionally, he announced the completion of another groundbreaking initiative, the Forest Hill Solar PV Project, commissioned on April 16, 2024.

“This project involved the installation of a 350-kW free-type solar photovoltaic system designed to supplement the facility’s energy needs and reduce our reliance on the national electricity grid. This modern system, consisting of 763 solar panels and 4 inverters, is expected to generate approximately 440,000 kWh of clean energy annually.

“That translates into an estimated $20 million in annual savings and a reduction of over 300 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, advancing our sustainability agenda and supporting Jamaica’s national climate goals. The $81.5 million investment not only contributes to lower operating costs of approximately 20 per cent but also reinforces NWC’s commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term energy resilience,” Fagan added.

Following the success of Forest Hill, he expressed that the NWC will be moving forward with additional initiatives, including a similar system at Leaders Avenue in Montego Bay, a 100-kW installation at Hamilton Gardens in St Catherine, and a pioneering 12.5-kW floating solar PV system at Mona.

“These projects align with the national objectives for clean energy integration and demonstrate the NWC’s leadership in utility-scale renewable energy adoption. So, as we build our physical infrastructure to deliver water for life, we are happy that [residents can] witness how the NWC is also re-engineering our operations to serve you more efficiently, sustainably, and reliably today and into the future,” Fagan said.