NWC writes off $200M in debt, collects $100M under amnesty programme

The National Water Commission (NWC) has written off more than $200 million in outstanding customer arrears while simultaneously collecting almost $100 million in revenue through its debt amnesty programme.

The update was provided by Minister with responsibility for Water, Matthew Samuda, at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing.

The programme, which began on January 2, runs until the end of March.

It aims to help customers settle outstanding balances and regain access to essential water services.

Under the amnesty programme, residential customers disconnected for six months or more will benefit from a waiver of reconnection fees and a 50% debt write-off upon payment of the remaining 50%.

Additionally, pensioners and PATH beneficiaries may receive a 100% discount on debts older than two years, applicable to both active and inactive accounts.

Beyond the amnesty, customers in arrears may also access benefits under the NWC’s Customer Relief Measures.

Samuda reported that as of Friday, February 21, approximately 10,116 persons had sought to benefit from the amnesty.

He noted that 1,674 customers have already been fully reconnected, while 2,489 have been approved for reconnection, which will be carried out over the next two weeks.

At least 3,400 NWC customers have also made inquiries regarding the amnesty programme.

“What this means is that the Water Commission has written off debts or arrears totalling up to $238 million for customers—largely uncollectable debt that was affecting thousands of households,” the minister stated.

“From an application standpoint, we have received applications for benefits amounting to $658 million, and the NWC has also generated $98.9 million in additional revenue since January 1,” he added.

Expressing confidence in Jamaica’s stable economy and well-managed public sector, Samuda described the NWC amnesty as a "dividend" promised to Jamaicans.

“That dividend is being paid to citizens through this amnesty—citizens who continue to bear the burden of bills related to massive leaks,” he said.

- Corey Robinson

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