The Opposition Spokesperson on Water, Ian Hayles, has strongly criticised the government for its failure to deliver promised water supply to key communities across Jamaica, highlighting the near impossibility of fulfilling these commitments given the state of the National Water Commission (NWC) and the broader water sector.

Referring to data from the OUR’s 2023-2024 annual report, Mr. Hayles pointed out that non-revenue water (NRW)—water produced but not paid for by the NWC—remains alarmingly high at 74.3 per cent, showing no improvement over the past six years despite investments in initiatives such as smart water meters.

“For every four million gallons of water produced, three million are not being paid for. This reflects poor resource management under the Jamaica Labour Party administration,” Hayles said.

The report also reveals that 158,448 customer accounts are inactive, a significant increase of over 12,000 accounts since 2021. Meanwhile, the number of active accounts has grown only marginally, while the financial burden on the NWC remains severe.

“These inactive accounts, coupled with the lack of a strategic approach to water resource management, mean the system is failing Jamaicans,” he added.

Hayles criticised the government’s patchwork solutions, including recent announcements about major short-to-medium-term projects that have yet to start, let alone deliver tangible benefits.

“Communities in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, and St. Ann continue to suffer, even after high-profile declarations of immediate solutions to ease the impact of low or no supply. The administration has no real strategy to address where water is needed, how to ensure coverage, or how to modernise the sector to support livelihoods and improve living standards. Jamaicans are suffering.”

Additionally, while welcoming the proposed moratorium for pensioners and PATH beneficiaries that will allow them to regularise their accounts with the NWC, Hayles noted the inequity for the few paying customers of the NWC or others who wish to regularise their accounts, citing widespread economic hardship.

“With 75 per cent of those receiving water not paying for it, the government must go beyond token measures. A nationwide moratorium on sewerage charges, for example, or facilitating an extended payment timeline for regularising accounts would help alleviate the financial strain many households are under, ensuring fairness and fostering better long-term compliance.”

The opposition spokesperson also echoed concerns from the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) regarding the water sector’s poor performance, characterised by low service quality, high operating costs, and inadequate access to potable water and sewerage services. The situation, compounded by climate change and prolonged droughts, underscores the urgency for strategic action.

“The government is quick to make promises but comes up dry when it comes to delivering results. Jamaicans deserve better, and it is time for comprehensive solutions to address the deep-rooted issues in the water sector,” Hayles concluded.