Work on Greater Mandeville Water Supply Project 70 Per Cent Complete

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda is reporting that the Greater Mandeville Water Supply Scheme, is now 70 per cent complete.

“[It is] is expected to take between 18 and 30 months for full completion,” Minister Samuda said, noting that major components of the project have already been delivered.

“As a major milestone… you’d know that we would have completed the major pumping station at Gutters, and the transmission main from Pepper to Gutters is nearing completion,” he added.

The Minister was speaking at the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives at Gordon House on Thursday (March 5).

He noted that while there has been planning changes since the project was first conceived, they are now partnering with the National Housing Trust (NHT) to include new developments in the area.

The Minister also mentioned the Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant in St. Catherine, which is set for completion in May 2027.

The system, which will deliver 15 million gallons per day, will be a major boost to supply citizens across Portmore, Spanish Town and Kingston and St. Andrew.

He said the plant represents a key component of the Government’s strategy to expand capacity and modernise the island’s water infrastructure.

The Minister explained that improved source water will address one of the two major challenges affecting Portmore.

“The two major issues that affect the soon to be parish of Portmore, one is the availability of source water, and that will be corrected with the completion in May 2027 of the Rio Coba Water Treatment Plant,” he said.

“The second and perhaps most important issue is the fact that the distribution network in Portmore, because of the age of the residential community, is indeed in need of significant upgrade. We do have a pretty heavy infrastructure programme for Portmore through our internal works,” he added.

Minister Samuda said the Government is advancing internal works to strengthen infrastructure, with funding allocated through existing revenue streams.

Meanwhile, the Minister reported that a $1.3 billion project aimed at improving supply in areas such as Red Hills and surrounding communities is progressing.

“That $1.3 billion project is indeed progressing. We expect construction to be complete within 12 months,” he stated.

He also noted that investments across various agencies are being coordinated to upgrade transmission mains and improve access in eastern Portland and other communities not captured under a single allocation.

Minister Samuda reiterated that the projects are designed to expand capacity, strengthen distribution systems and improve reliability of water supply across the island.