Gov’t Mobilises Over 100 Private Trucks to Support Post-Hurricane Water Relief Efforts

In response to the dislocation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Government has engaged more than 100 private trucks to strengthen water distribution efforts.

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, noted that these trucks are now operating in tandem with the National Water Commission (NWC) fleet of 32 vehicles to deliver water to critical areas.

He made the disclosure during a special press briefing on Hurricane Melissa recovery at Jamaica House on Monday (November 3).

Minister Samuda further advised that the Government has suspended fees for private truck operators accessing the NWC’s loading bays, as part of efforts to accelerate water delivery and promote equitable access for all affected residents.

Additionally, he indicated that all Members of Parliament (MPs) have received formal correspondence outlining allocations for water trucking, enabling them to engage private operators where available to support local distribution efforts.

“These allocations will be between $1 million and $2 million, depending on the level of disruption in their respective areas,” the Minister stated.

He added that the Ministry intends to increase the fleet of water trucks on an emergency basis, to ensure continued service to the public during this challenging time.

Mr. Samuda outlined several additional measures implemented to ensure that water reaches those most severely impacted and least likely to experience the immediate restoration of access.

“We’re running generators at all our loading bays that are affected by [the lack of] power supply. That means, where there are generators, we are able to fill trucks 18 hours a day. Where we are connected to JPS (Jamaica Public Service Company) supply, we are filling 24 hours a day,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Samuda advised that standpipes will be installed at operational treatment plants and pump houses in the areas most impacted by Hurricane Melissa, to facilitate water supply to affected communities.

“These will obviously be temporary. But certainly, for instance, in the case of a plant like Martha Brae, we’ll put in 100 filling stations so that those who are in the hilly interior but within driving distance can come and get water for the reprieve that they need,” the Minister affirmed.