Gov't touts investments to boost water resilience across Corporate Area

 

The government is making major investments to boost water resilience across the Corporate Area within the next three years. 

 

Minister with responsibility for Water, Matthew Samuda, says the commitment comes as the government begins construction of a major water treatment facility in St. Catherine, among others. 

 

"That is the development of the Rio Corbre Water Treatment Plant, which will pump 15.5 million gallons of water every single day into Portmore, into Spanish Town, into Kingston and St. Andrew. So when you commence construction on a plant that will add 15 million gallons daily to a system where you're reducing leaks steadily and in a structured and consistent manner, you see that you're on the road to water resilience for Portmore, for Kingston and St. Andrew and indeed for Spanish Town," he touted. 

 

"Today we commence or formally acknowledge the commencement of approximately $592 million and approximately $620 million of sewering exercise. But in two weeks, I believe it's on the 29th or 30th [of May], we will also be mobilising and commencing construction on the Ferry to Rock Pond line," he added.

 

Minister Samuda said efforts over a nine-year period to address leakage, particularly across Kingston and St. Andrew, have cut by millions the amount of potable water required from the National Water Commission for daily living. 

 

Meanwhile, in a bid to address concerns about water resilience across rural Jamaica, Minister Samuda said water projects are also ongoing in those sections of the island. 

 

"The Prime Minister will break ground on a water distribution line in Castleton Gardens in St. Mary on Friday. Next week we journey to the northwestern end of the island where we'll be breaking ground from Falmouth to Negril. These investments change the lives of all Jamaicans. They offer genuine opportunity for us to achieve Vision 2030 and indeed honour our obligations under the UNSDGs, but it also unlocks significant economic expansion," the minister suggested.

 

He was speaking Wednesday at the Munroe Road to Seaview Avenue Groundbreaking and Project Tour in St. Andrew.