Gov’t partners with World Bank to boost water supply

The Government is collaborating with the World Bank and its team of water experts to secure a non-revenue water (NRW) partner, aimed at supporting major investments in Jamaica’s water distribution network and enhancing the reliability of supply.

Addressing the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives during its review of the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure at Gordon House on Thursday, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, stated that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to tackle inefficiencies within the ageing system.

He noted that the initiative is being pursued through an international competitive process, adding, “we expect that process to conclude later this year.”

Once completed, the partnership is expected to deliver significant improvements across the water distribution network.

“That will kick-start some US$300 million of investment across the distribution network, [aimed at] reducing leaks, cutting theft, and, importantly, making water delivery far more reliable,” the Minister indicated.

Samuda explained that many of the challenges affecting water delivery stem from the age of critical infrastructure, including pumps within the system.

“There are pumps that are older than every single member of this House, due to our failure to invest in the pumping network over the last 50 to 60 years,” he remarked.

To begin addressing this issue, the Government has allocated funds in the upcoming fiscal year to replace some of the most unreliable units.

“As a part of our capital expenditure, we will spend just over $900 million on replacing 30 of the oldest, most unreliable pumps in the network. Now that is 30 out of 800. We do hope as allocations increase, that we will be able to increase the number of pumps that are procured on an annual basis until we’re able to bring that pumping network up to speed,” Samuda said.

He also underscored the impact of electricity infrastructure on water delivery, noting that pumping stations require a significant and reliable power supply.

“You have to remember that our pumps use very heavy industrial scale energy and require three-phase power. So, if the lines are not maintained, you do have challenges,” Samuda noted.

To rectify these challenges, the Government has initiated collaboration with the island’s electricity provider, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company.

“We have formed a joint working group with JPS to address this matter, going forward,” Samuda informed.

He emphasised that the planned investments and partnerships are designed to modernise the network and improve water delivery to communities across the country, where ageing infrastructure continues to affect service.

- JIS News

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