Minister with responsibility for water, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. says the recent Global Water Award copped by the National Water Commission (NWC) augurs well for the country’s water sector.
Jamaica’s national potable water service provider placed fourth (4th) in the Global Water Award in the category of Water Leader of the Year 2019 in London, England. The Awards are organized by Global Water Intelligence (GWI), a world-leading publisher on water sector issues.
Minister Charles Jr. extended congratulations earlier today (Thursday, April 11) to Mr Mark Barnett, President of the NWC and the Commission’s team.
“This global recognition is indicative of the investments that the Government is making toward enhancing the water and wastewater sectors. The National Water Commission has made significant strides to improve quality and accessibility of the commodity”, says Minister Charles.
Meanwhile, the NWC is moving to strategically reduce the high level of Non-Revenue Water (NRW). The Commission notes that the high NRW levels are in direct conflict with its vision and mission.
“The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will continue to provide strategic direction for the management and growth of our water and wastewater sectors. The implementation of the revised water sector policy will ensure proper management and protection of our water resources”, explains Minister Charles Jr.
The Global Water Awards recognizes excellence across the international water industry within several categories and rewards those initiatives in the water, wastewater, and desalination sectors that are moving the industry forward.
The NWC, because of its innovative approach in non-revenue water (NRW) activities being undertaken with co-management partner, MIYA, received this prestigious placement among other countries such as Argentina, Turkey and Uganda. Importantly, NWC’s achievement under this programme was the drastic results attained in NRW which recorded a movement from 61% to 48% in Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA) for 2018
