As of April 2026, approximately 99 per cent of National Water Commission (NWC) facilities have been restored to full operational status in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, with most reconnected to the national power grid. Additionally, by December 31, 2025, the NWC had restored water supply to more than 90 per cent of customers, supported by expanded water trucking operations,...

Fifty-one primary schools across the island are now benefiting from the distribution of water tanks, under a multi-year initiative funded by the United States Southern Command Humanitarian Assistance Programme and facilitated through the National Education Trust (NET). Valued at approximately US$40,000, the donation is aimed at improving access to reliable water supply in schools, particularly those located in vulnerable and...

Residents of the Cherry Gardens Housing Development in Kitson Town, St. Catherine, are to benefit from an upgrade of the community’s sewerage system. According to Member of Parliament for St. Catherine West Central, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, the improvement is now being actively addressed through a collaborative effort involving the National Housing Trust (NHT), and the National Water Commission...

In another three months, the Government will go to market for the divestment of the Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Catherine, says Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda. The aim is to double the plant’s 75,000 cubic metres per day capacity to 150,000 cubic metres per day to manage increased wastewater flows from the Kingston...

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, says the Government has a robust plan to address Jamaica’s water storage challenges, noting that the sector is vital to national development and the achievement of Vision 2030. He noted that over the last century, Jamaica made three major investments in water infrastructure: the development of the Hermitage Dam in...

The Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change is encouraging Jamaicans to take simple but meaningful steps within their homes and communities to help promote water inclusivity and equity, as the country works towards its sustainable water management goals. Senior Director in the Water Policy and Monitoring Branch of the Ministry, Talia Gibson, told JIS News that individuals have a...

The Government anticipates ratifying the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol of the Cartagena Convention within the next three months. This was disclosed by Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, during a Ministerial Briefing at the Diplomatic Days 2026 high-level engagement, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade offices in downtown Kingston...