Massive Investments in Water Sector

For fiscal year 2025/2026, the Government is investing more than $22 billion in the country’s water sector, while unlocking a further $14.2 billion through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, said that the projects will ensure that all Jamaicans have access to potable water and sanitation by 2030.

He contended that creating the fiscal space to facilitate this level of investment did not come by accident but through the Government’s careful management of the economy.

He noted that the Administration’s vision for the water sector prioritises sustainability, resilience, and equitable access, with “unprecedented sums” invested through the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Consolidated Fund to bring the vision to life.

He said there are eight key pillars that define this vision – universal access to clean water; sustainable water management, energy use in the water sector, wastewater recycling and treatment, public-private partnerships, education and awareness; equitable resource distribution, and resilience to climate change.

“We have made major gains although we still have major work to do. A total of 150,000 Jamaicans have enjoyed improved water supply through our investments in this term of Government. However, we are and have admitted we are targeting universal access, which requires major infrastructure upgrades and faster deployment of project investment,” the Minister told the House.

He said that growing the utility footprint of the NWC is key to realising the vision for the water sector.

He reported that approximately 90 per cent of Jamaicans are served either by the Commission, municipal systems, or private suppliers, with the NWC accounting for approximately 79 per cent of that service, which is a four per cent increase from five years ago.