Lancewood Pipeline Extension Project Commissioned Into Service

More than 400 residents in Exchange, St. Ann, and adjoining areas now have reliable access to water supply following the recent commissioning of the Lancewood Pipeline Extension Project.

The system, developed at a cost of $16 million, addresses long-standing water supply challenges in the beneficiary communities, said Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda.

It involved the installation of approximately one kilometre of new, four-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, replacing outdated infrastructure.

The Minister, who officially turned on the water system, said that the project reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all households, all communities across the island have access to potable water.

He announced plans for a more extensive $300-million initiative aimed at upgrading the main pipeline to a more durable 10-inch ductile iron-pipe system.

“This new system will be stronger and designed to last much longer, ensuring that our communities benefit from a reliable water supply,” he said, pointing out that the Government has already invested millions of dollars to improve water pumping facilities, with the overarching goal of efficiently moving water from pumping stations to storage tanks and, ultimately, to new distribution lines.

This comprehensive approach, the Minister said, is expected to fortify the water supply chain, ensuring that residents receive consistent service.

Mr. Samuda said that the NWC, over the past four years, has spent more than $300 million in Exchange alone, a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to bolstering water infrastructure.

“This significant investment is a prelude to even bigger projects on the horizon,” Mr. Samuda remarked, indicating that more communities in St. Ann will soon benefit from similar initiatives.

The Minister urged residents to take an active role in the sustainability of these projects by regularising their accounts and paying their water bills. “Your contributions are vital for supporting ongoing improvements and ensuring that we can continue to enhance our water services,” he said.

For his part, Councillor for the Exchange Division, Ian Isaacs, said that residents were extremely grateful for the completion of the project, calling the Lancewood Pipeline Extension “transformational and timely”.

“This is a much-needed improvement and we are thankful for the Government’s commitment to the people of Exchange and neighbouring communities,” he added.