The Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ) has enthusiastically endorsed the Jamaican Government’s plans to enhance the island’s water storage and distribution network, particularly in the Kingston Metropolitan Area, hailing the initiative as a game-changer for real estate growth.

“Water is important to unlock potential, especially in underdeveloped areas,” said Gabrielle Gilpin-Hudson, President of the RAJ.

Her comments followed an announcement by Minister of Water and Climate Change Matthew Samuda, at the RAJ’s Leaders Breakfast at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on Thursday, February 26, which kickstarts the Association’s 60th Anniversary celebrations. 

Samuda outlined key components of the Government’s Water Vision 2030, including the construction of a new Hermitage Dam in St Andrew, the expansion of the Mona Reservoir’s capacity, and ongoing upgrades to the water distribution network in the Kingston Metropolitan Area. 

“I’m happy to report that the first phase of the engineering for the new Hermitage Dam is indeed complete, and we expect to complete the transaction design and the procurement process within the next 12 months,” the minister stated. 

Gilpin-Hudson highlighted the transformative impact this move would have on real estate. “We are at the threshold of a transformative era for Jamaican development, and water infrastructure is the key that opens the door. We have untapped potential across the island in housing, farming, and infrastructural development, which remain underdeveloped because of inadequate access to water, she said. “For the first time, we have a workable timeline and a clear path forward. This is what the market has been waiting for.”

The minister also revealed plans to upgrade and divest the Soapberry sewerage treatment facility into a tertiary-level plant, supporting efforts to restore Kingston Harbour as a blue-water body—a critical climate goal. “It’s major…A revitalised harbour would open an entirely new chapter for downtown Kingston to position Jamaica among the great waterfront cities of the world, said Gilpin-Hudson.

The RAJ president emphasised that water access was vital for the Corporate Area’s evolving skyline, driven by multistory residential and commercial developments. She added that the RAJ views these government initiatives as pivotal to sustainable development, affordable housing, and economic vitality across Jamaica.

Looking ahead, Gilpin-Hudson reaffirmed the RAJ’s commitment to fostering stronger public-private collaborations under the theme of its 60th anniversary celebrations: “Strengthening Partnerships for a More Efficient, Transparent and Sustainable Real Estate Sector”. “We’re open to collaboration. We’re open to sitting down with the various stakeholders, whether that’s in the private or public sectors, to really drive what we need to do to get Jamaica to have a first-world real estate market,” she said.