Non-Revenue Water Programme Reaping Results in Portmore

The National Water Commission (NWC) has reduced water loss in Portmore from 70 to 40 per cent, while simultaneously increasing supply of the commodity to more residents in the St. Catherine community.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, made the disclosure during a recent tour of Newlands, where infrastructure work is in progress under the Portmore Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Reduction Programme.

Minister Samuda said over 200,000 gallons of water is lost daily in sections of Newlands.

He noted that the volume of water loss is unsustainable, pointing out that “we simply cannot pump water in the ground, “we have to make every drop count.”

Minister Samuda said some early signs of success are emerging in Newlands where pipelines are being installed, and “we are seeing a lot of regularising of connections.”

NWC Regional Manager, Gawaine Johnson, informed that over 300 residents have already signed up to regularise their water supply.

Councillor for the Southboro Division, Damara Lawson, said people in the area are grateful for the work being done, which will go a far way in eliminating their water challenges.

The NRW programme involves leak detection and repairs, and reduction of commercial losses through metering and infrastructure improvement.

The initiative, being executed in partnership with global water utility company Miya Jamaica, under a performance-based contract, aims to improve the overall efficiency of the NWC operations.

The NWC has a mission to contribute positively to national development by providing high quality potable water and sewage services to residents and businesses in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.