The House of Representatives on Tuesday (July 10) passed the Ballast Water Management Bill, which is aimed at protecting Jamaica’s marine environment. The legislation seeks to implement measures to prevent ships entering Jamaica’s waters from introducing foreign aquatic species and diseases into the country. In piloting the Bill, Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague, said the Bill is...

A water shop was opened in Marlie Hill, Manchester, on May 14, by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. “There is a need, and we are responding to that need,” the Minister said at the ceremony. Mr. McKenzie explained that the Ministry is utilising water shops as a way to immediately address the chronic water shortage...

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) has approved the use of electronic flares by vessels operating in Jamaican waters. Flares are used at sea by mariners to signal distress and to guide rescuers to their location. Speaking in an interview with JIS NEWS, Director of Safety, Environment and Certification at the MAJ, Captain Steven Spence, said that the move is...

Residents of Westmoreland, who were recently affected by the heavy rains are being urged by the Health Department to take the necessary precautions to ensure their water is safe. Speaking to JIS News, Health and Promotion Officer for Westmoreland, Mr. Gerald Miller, said individuals, especially those who access water via springs, rivers, ponds and community tanks, should exercise care before...

The National Water Commission (NWC) is reporting a marked reduction in the amount of potable water lost during transmission, since hiring Miya Water Company from Israel to help tackle the problem. “So far, we have definitely seen improvements. The number of leaks have reduced significantly in the Cherry Gardens, Norbrook and Barbican areas. We’ve had a lot of work done...

The Government of Jamaica will be using the observance of World Water Day on March 22 to highlight the importance of the commodity and the need to protect and preserve the country’s freshwater resources. To mark the day, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation in collaboration with various partners, will be staging a forum and exhibition at the...

The first 9,600 solid state water meters being supplied to the Government by Diehl Metering are expected to be delivered within another two months, after which the National Water Commission (NWC) will begin installation. A total of 450,000 meters are to be provided by the German company, under a US$43.9 million contract awarded last year to replace mechanical water meters...