The National Water Commission has completed a project that now provides water for several communities in the parish of Trelawny. This initiative sustains water to approximately 11,500 residents in the area, who, prior to this, struggled to get water.

Minister without portfolio in the ministry of economic growth and job creation, Senator Matthew Samuda, says NWC has plans to continue this project throughout other parishes. The national water commission in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica completed a pipeline project in the parish of Trelawny on Thursday, June 23. The project was aimed at rehabilitating and upgrading the existing water supply and storage facilities, to facilitate the distribution of running water to residents in the area. At a commissioning ceremony hosted by the NWC, Senator Samuda says the project is one of many to be implemented by the NWC, as the partnership is focused on providing proper portable water to the residents. The residents in the area say prior to this project, they had to find alternative means to source water.  

Senator Samuda says while water trucks are helpful in emergencies such as hurricanes, when water supply is momentarily disrupted, the project aims to make them a last resort. Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton mirrors these sentiments, adding that she is grateful for the completion of the project. Senator Samuda is appealing to residents to pay their water bills, and adds that those who steal water are actively delaying the improvement of water supply systems, and the likelihood of reduced water rates.

Reporter: Nasika Alliman