NWC Implements Projects to Improve Supply Capacity
July 21, 2005The Full Story
The National Water Commission (NWC) is undertaking a series of projects and programmes to improve its supply capacity.
Minister of State for Water and Housing, Harry Douglas in his contribution to the 2005/06 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on July 21, informed that the programmes included the procurement and installation of new production or source meters to accurately measure the volume of water being treated and distributed from production facilities; replacing large sections of aged pipelines to reduce leakage and improve distribution; and procuring and installing zone meters.
The Commission will also acquire a range of leak detection devices; utilize technology such as Geographic Information System (GIS) to better manage leaks and theft on the systems; repair and rehabilitate existing equipment; increase interconnection between water supply systems and procure and install more customer meters.
These projects are being undertaken as part of the NWC’s $1.5 billion Systems Rehabilitation Programme to address the poor state of some of its infrastructure. The three-year initiative began in 2004.
Mr. Douglas explained that the projects were being carried island wide in areas such as May Pen in Clarendon; Greater Mandeville in Manchester; Old Harbour, Greater Spanish Town and Portmore in St. Catherine; and the Hope, Mona, Constant Spring and Seaview water supply systems in Kingston and St Andrew.
Meanwhile, the State Minister informed that the Ministry would shortly receive 140 pumps and other instruments from India, to enhance the operational efficiencies of the NWC.
In respect to systems improvement, Mr. Douglas informed that water mains had already been replaced in areas such as Norbrook and Allerdyce in St. Andrew and communities in St. James.
He also disclosed that well refurbishing works would begin in early 2006 and that detailed investigations have been done on the condition and performance of the NWC’s wells that serve Greater Spanish Town and South-East St Catherine.