Arlene Williams, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, outlined that the Castleton Pipeline Project in St Mary will benefit up to 3000 residents.

She stated that Jamaica has adequate water sources, but the real challenge is not in sourcing water but in getting a steady supply to residents, particularly in rural communities and also in the hilly interior of the island.

Williams underscored that the necessary supporting infrastructure is therefore a critical part of the process towards providing a portable water supply service to rural communities across the island. “The government, through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) and its agencies, the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL), is therefore making unprecedented investments in water supply systems and pipelining across the length and breadth of Jamaica,” she said.

The permanent secretary expressed that the government is aware that a steady supply of water is critical to the development of communities and the growth of the nation. “This pipeline project is one of several projects that will either be commissioned or initiated through groundbreaking exercises. During this month and into early June indeed, we have a plethora of projects in the planning phase to come upstream as the year progresses, so let me commend the leadership of the NWC and the team for their dedication and service,” she added.

Williams further announced that on Wednesday, May 14, the NWC broke ground for the Munroe Road to Seaward Avenue Pipeline Project and the Munroe Road Seaview Avenue Sewerage Network Installation Project, a combined investment of more than 1.2 million. “That project will serve several communities in and around the Kingston 6 area, including Boulder Road, Retreat, Seymour, New Kingston, Seaward Avenue, Mona Road, Wellington Avenue and Munroe Road.”

On Tuesday, May 13, the NWC also received 30 new service vehicles, which will further boost its capacity to deliver services to the communities and households across Jamaica.

“This groundbreaking exercise for pipeline works to serve some 3,000 residents here in Castleton, Friendship Gap, and Clear Spring represents another critical investment in the long-term resilience and efficiency of the water supply network at a cost of over 25 million,” Williams added.

She revealed that a pipe system will be replaced that has been in service for several decades and is now showing signs of wear and tear, causing leaks. “You may have heard the term non-revenue water right… So it means that water is produced by the NWC, but it is either lost through leaks or, sadly, theft. It is water supplied by the NWC for which they are unable to collect any revenue, and this affects their ability not only to maintain your current system but also to construct new ones to serve even more Jamaicans,” she said while speaking to residents at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Castleton Pipeline Project in St Mary.

Based on projections, Williams revealed that the demand for water service is expected to grow beyond 2030. “So the benefits to you, the residents, will include increased water supply capacity through the upgrading of the pipes, which will improve the volume and pressure of the water delivered. In addition, it will reduce the likelihood of leaks and water loss, ensuring a more consistent water supply for residents. The system will also be better equipped to handle the projected population growth and demand through 2030 and beyond.”

Beyond this project, the permanent secretary stated that the ministry and its agencies are keeping the momentum going to provide water to communities across the length and breadth of Jamaica. “These events individually and collectively represent significant investments in the water security and resilience of Jamaica and its people, especially given the impacts of climate change, which include prolonged dry periods nationally.

“Over the last five years, over 150,000 Jamaicans have benefited from improved water access. Additionally, the government will invest 28 billion in several water projects that will improve the water service and supply in the northeastern parishes. We have several billion dollars invested in small water projects by the RWSL, which will benefit over 38,000 Jamaicans in rural communities. We are also working on the US 92 million Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant at Content in St Catherine, a major infrastructure project that will bring 15 million gallons of water into St Catherine, Portmore and Kingston daily,” Williams continued.