Thousands Benefiting from NWC Amnesty

Thousands of National Water Commission (NWC) customers are benefitting from the entity’s three-month Amnesty Programme’s implementation, which commenced on January 2, 2025.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, provided an update during Wednesday’s (February 26) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

He said as at February 21, approximately 10,116 persons had sought to benefit from the amnesty, which was announced last year.

“We can report that, already, 1,674 customers have been fully reconnected and a further 2,489 are approved for reconnection and that will happen over the next two weeks. There are an additional 3,400 inquiries by citizens who have reached out for details,” the Minister said.

Mr. Samuda informed that the NWC has written off the debt or arrears of up to $238 million for customers.

“From an application standpoint, we have applications for benefit up to $658 million, but what is important is that this has also generated for the National Water Commission, since January…, $98.9 million in additional revenue that would not have come in,” he said.

Mr. Samuda noted that continued macroeconomic stability will enable the Government to implement more programmes that benefit and improve the lives of citizens.

“Macroeconomic stability creates dividend for citizens. Well-managed entities and public bodies create dividend for citizens. That dividend is being paid, by way of this amnesty, to citizens who continue to suffer the burden of these bills related to massive leaks,” he said.

Under the exercise, persons owing the NWC for more than six months can benefit from a 50 per cent write-off on their balances.