$907 Million to Continue work on KMA Water Project

Some $907 million has been set aside in the 2012/13 Estimates of Expenditure, being reviewed by the Standing Finance Committee of the House, to continue work on the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change’s Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA) Water Supply Project.

The undertaking, being implemented by the National Water Commission (NWC), is aimed at providing an improved water supply system to serve the KMA, inclusive of Greater Spanish Town, south east St. Catherine, in addition to Kingston and St. Andrew, to keep pace with the rapid industrial and housing developments in these areas.

Activities expected to be completed over the project’s 12-month extended period, ending March 2013, include: installation of the remaining 57 bulk flow meters; commencement of civil works in south east St. Catherine, and completion of 80 per cent of same. Additionally, NWC operational efficiency programmes are expected to be continued during the period.

Activities completed since the project’s commencement in September 2000, include: a design field assessment; an NWC diagnostic study and improvement plan; installation of 38 of 95 bulk flow meters for a non-revenue water reduction and control programme, and substantial completion of detailed engineering designs and tender documents for works in sections of south east St. Catherine.

The Government of Jamaica is co-financing the project with the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter