Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant Project in Implementation Phase

The US$78-million public-private partnership Rio Cobre Water Treatment plant project being undertaken in Content, St. Catherine, is now in the implementation phase.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who made the announcement in his contribution to the 2024/25 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives recently, said ground has already been broken for the development.

“When completed, in two years, this plant will provide 15.5 million gallons [of water] daily, supporting distribution in Kingston and St. Andrew, Portmore, and Spanish Town. This will move us closer to our Vision 2030 [Jamaica] goals,” he pointed out.

Last year, in the midst of Jamaica’s worst drought, the Corporate Area undersupplied potable water by just 12 million gallons daily.

The Prime Minister said more than $5 billion is expected to be spent in fiscal year 2024/25 to boost the supply of water, benefiting more than 165,000 Jamaicans. Additionally, more than $2.5 billion will be invested in sewerage infrastructure work.

“The Government will continue to make major investments in capital works in the coming fiscal year,” he added.

Other strategic engagements include Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded projects, targeting upgrading of water supply systems in five parishes that have been added to the Public Sector Investment Programme.

“This will benefit from a US$30-million loan from the CDB, with the [Government of Jamaica] funding US$6 million, and this will be executed over four years,” Prime Minister Holness said.

The projects include Agualta Vale/Jordan Run Scheme in St. Mary South Eastern; Mason Hall Scheme in St. Mary Western; Albert Town/Ulster Spring Scheme in Trelawny Southern; Union/Balaclava Scheme in St. Elizabeth North Eastern; Port Morant/Airy Castle Scheme in St. Thomas Eastern; and Green Park, Higgins Town/Bamboo Scheme in St. Ann South Eastern and North Western.

Mr. Holness noted that, this year, the Project Management Unit will be established, and will commence the project procurement phase at a cost of J$85 million. Land acquisition will also be covered this year.