$1.1 Billion to further KMA Water Supply Project

The Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA) Water Supply Project has been allocated $1.1 billion to provide improved water supply system to the KMA, in keeping with the rapid growth of industrial and housing developments.
The allotment is contained in the 2006/2007 Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives. The KMA includes southeast St. Catherine, Kingston and St. Andrew. The primary goal of the project, which began in March 1997, is to increase domestic production capacity in the KMA by 13.5 imperial gallons per day upon completion of the project. Up to March of this year, tenders were invited to carry out investigations for well rehabilitation works; 95 per cent of detailed engineering designs were completed; a National Water Commission (NWC) diagnostic study and improvement plan were completed, and bulk flow metres were acquired. For the 2006/2007 financial year, it is anticipated that the rehabilitation, irrigation compensation and artificial recharge of civil works lots one and three of the project will begin. In addition to this, the implementation of institutional development and operational efficiency within the NWC will be undertaken; civil works will be supervised; project operations will be managed and administered; and land will be acquired for such new facilities as reservoirs and pumping stations. The Government of Jamaica and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation are jointly funding the project which is a programme in the Ministry of Housing, Transport and Works. The NWC is the implementing agency. The project is expected to end next month.