Gov’t Secures US$7.5 Million Loan from India to Purchase Equipment for NWC

The Government of Jamaica has secured a US$7.5 million line of credit from the Government of India to purchase much needed water pipes and other supplies for the National Water Commission (NWC).
Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. Omar Davies, in his remarks at the signing ceremony on Friday (Jan. 19) at his National Heroes Circle offices, noted that the loan, which was secured through the Export Import Bank of India, would enable the NWC to acquire approximately 120 pumps and 23 generator sets, to replace old and malfunctioning pumps.
The equipment, which will be distributed to various sites islandwide, is expected to provide significant relief to communities that suffer from low water pressure or constant lock-offs.
Minister of Housing, Water, Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill in his remarks, explained that previously, Jamaica sourced these pumps, which are manufactured in India, through a third party supplier outside of India. Under this agreement however, Jamaica would purchase the water pumps directly from the Indian supplier.
“By going directly to the manufacturer, we will see significant savings. In addition, we will be able to have an inventory of pumps to ensure replacement and little disruption in the supply of water to our customers,” the Water Minister explained.
He said further that the purchase of the generator sets would ensure that there was no disruption in water supply in major urban centres, when there was no electricity supply.
“At present, when there is a disruption in the supply of power by the Jamaica Public Service Company our pumps, which are dependent on this supply also go down. For the customer, this means a disruption of their water supply.these generators would ensure that there is no disruption in our water supply in our major urban centres, when we loose electricity,” he informed.
Meanwhile, Chief General Manager of the Export Import Bank of India, Prabhakar Dalal, said that the bank was looking forward to working with Jamaica, and was pleased to be part of the process of development in the country.
The government has 12 years, with a four-year grace period, to repay the loan.