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Ministry of
Economic Growth
& Job Creation

Author: MEGJC Editor

Minister Morgan says Montego Bay Perimeter Road will not bypass communities in the City

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Robert Morgan is reassuring residents that the Montego Bay Perimeter Road is not intended to bypass communities in Montego Bay but will instead, provide a more efficient travel experience for road users.

The Minister was speaking to the press and stakeholders during a tour of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road on May 8, 2025, to assess the progress of the project.

“There was a perception in the beginning that [the road was] bypassing Montego Bay, so a lot of persons are happy when they see the design… You have the Perimeter [Road] connecting to various other communities, so the people of Montego Bay don’t feel as if we are cutting them out,” Minister Morgan stated.

Minister Morgan was joined on the tour by Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, Member of Parliament for North West St. James, and Stephen Edwards, Managing Director of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) and his team.

Mr. Edwards echoed the Minister’s assurance, adding that the highway will make it easier to access major surrounding communities such as Cornwall Courts, Irwin and Bogue.

“There will be a new access route to the community of Cornwall Courts through the diamond [shaped] interchange. There is also provision for the roadway to be expanded southwards to provide access to future developments,” Mr. Edwards stated.

He noted that the design of the interchange provides great utility to Cornwall Courts and other communities and that pavement works will be undertaken soon.

 

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650 Households in St. Andrew West Rural Benefit from $47 Million Mount Prospect Water Tank Replacement Project

Approximately 650 households across several communities in the St. Andrew West Rural constituency are now benefitting from improved access to water following the commissioning of the $47 million Mount Prospect (Mount Airy) Water Tank Replacement Project.

The project was officially commissioned on Wednesday, May 8, by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda.

“This is a milestone that acknowledges that the [National] Water Commission, which you own as citizens of Jamaica, has invested J$47 million into improved water supply for you. It is your government investing in your comfort, quality of life, and water supply, for that, we are thankful”, Minister Samuda said.

He continued: “This 50,000-gallon steel bolted drum is not a small piece of infrastructure. It is a large investment to facilitate increased comfort and population, and we expect it to provide a service for you for close to 30 years… But this is not a unique commitment. It is one of close to 100 projects currently being undertaken by your government, through the Rural Water Supply Limited and the NWC”.

Communities benefitting from the project include Mount Prospect, New Garden, Golden Spring, Mount Pleasant, Mount Friendship, Langley, Iron River, Mount Horeb, Mount Zion, Brandon Hill, and Mount James.

The project was completed in two phases. Phase 1 involved replacing an aged 10,000-gallon tank with a 50,000-gallon bolted steel tank. Phase 2 upgraded the existing 2-inch and 3-inch pipelines to 4-inch pipelines to significantly improve water flow and distribution.

Minister Samuda underscored the historic scale of government investment in the nation’s water infrastructure.

“Today’s commissioning is evidence of the Government’s commitment to rural communities and expanding the utility’s footprint across the length and breadth of the country. In addition, we’re spending 800 million through Rural Water Supply Limited to invest in 63 plus systems for small communities just like this”, he said.

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew West Rural, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, welcomed the development and praised the Ministry and the NWC for delivering on their promise.

“I’m pleased that this is now a reality. I remember seeing elderly persons and children in Mount Friendship carrying water on their heads. This tank is a major improvement. Lime Edge will also see new connections soon as NWC starts work this week. I thank Minister Samuda and the NWC team for their commitment and responsiveness”, she said.

The Mount Prospect Water Tank Replacement Project is part of the government’s broader efforts to expand and modernise rural water infrastructure across the island.

Montego Bay Perimeter Project A Road for the People – says Minister Morgan

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Robert Morgan, says the Montego Bay Perimeter Road will significantly improve the lives of residents by easing traffic, creating jobs, and unlocking new business opportunities.

“This road is here to make life easier for the people of western Jamaica. It will improve traffic flow, boost commerce, and connect communities from Trelawny and St. Ann to Hanover and Westmoreland,” said Minister Morgan during a tour of the project today (May 8, 2025).

He was joined by Member of Parliament for North West St. James, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, and National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) Managing Director, Stephen Edwards. Dr. Chang noted that businesses are already exploring opportunities along the corridor and emphasised that the road carries critical utilities to support future development.

Minister Morgan highlighted the involvement of local workers and the transfer of skills on the project. “Most of the workers are Jamaican, and many will leave with HEART/NSTA certification, opening doors for future employment both locally and abroad.”

The J$55.6 billion project includes the Montego Bay and Long Hill bypasses, upgrades to Barnett Street and West Green Avenue, and a major drainage study. It is funded by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and NROCC.

“This project is not just about infrastructure, it’s about empowering the people and building communities,” Minister Morgan said.
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Government Taking Steps To Protect Wildlife at Portmore Sewage Ponds

The Honourable Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), led a high-level multiagency delegation to the Greater Portmore Ponds in St. Catherine on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The visit follows the recent and concerning discovery of ten (10) deceased crocodiles at the site, an incident that has sparked public outcry and highlighted the need for strengthened environmental monitoring.

The affected facility comprises 9 ponds, of which 3 were taken out of service by the NWC due to an embankment defect. Based on the ongoing investigation, the NWC is currently working on effecting the necessary repairs to bring the ponds back into operation.

The primary objective of the visit was to identify the root causes of the death of the crocodiles and identify measures for implementation to prevent recurrence. These include increased monitoring by the NEPA and installation of additional structures to allow crocodiles to move between ponds when there is a significant reduction in the water levels.

During the tour, Minister Samuda announced plans to reconstruct critical infrastructure to enable the animals to move freely between the ponds. He also emphasised the introduction of new monitoring systems, in collaboration with the NEPA and Hope Zoo, to ensure a rapid response if animals become trapped again.

Minister Samuda further stated that the NWC will soon present a comprehensive maintenance plan for all ponds and specifically, the Portmore community. He has also instructed the NEPA to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the crocodiles, with full findings to be publicly disclosed in the interest of transparency and accountability.

Addressing public concerns regarding enforcement, Minister Samuda reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to upholding environmental laws. He stressed that NEPA has full authority to enforce the NRCA Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, including pursuing prosecutions where negligence or breaches are found, underscoring that no one is above the law.

The MEGJC, in collaboration with its environmental partners, remains dedicated to safeguarding Jamaica’s ecological heritage.

Participating agencies include the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), National Water Commission (NWC), Forestry Department, Senior Officials from the MEGJC, and experts from the Hope Zoo.

Members of the public are reminded that crocodiles are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and should not be harmed or disturbed. Sightings or incidents should be reported to NEPA at 1-888-991-5005 or to the police at 119.

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Mocho Water System Upgrades on Track – Minister Matthew Samuda Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Rural Water Access

Hon. Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, with responsibility for water, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving rural water systems, with key upgrades currently underway in the Mocho Division of Clarendon.

Responding to recent concerns raised about the Goshen Pumping System, Minister Samuda confirmed that the National Water Commission (NWC), in collaboration with Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL) and the Office of the Member of Parliament, Robert Nesta Morgan, has been executing a phased and strategic programme to improve water access in Mocho.

Key interventions include:

  • New Pump Installation: A new relift pump for the Goshen Pumping Station will be installed by August 2025. In the interim, a temporary pump will be provided to alleviate the current shortfall. When installed in August, the new pump will restore the system’s full operational capacity and stabilise supply to communities to include Goshen, Brixton Hill, White Chapel, Mocho Road, Eden, Bagatelle, and Darlow.
  • Eden Water Supply Expansion – Phase Two: This critical phase is progressing steadily, supported directly by the Member of Parliament who has personally facilitated the provision of necessary piping infrastructure to accelerate the project timeline.
  • Increased Storage Capacity: RWSL is currently procuring a 10,000-gallon storage tank to be installed in the area, improving reliability and resilience across the network.

Minister Samuda also acknowledged the persistent advocacy and hands-on involvement of Member of Parliament Morgan, noting that he has been a strong and consistent voice for the people of Mocho, working closely with the NWC and other agencies to find lasting solutions to the community’s water challenges.

In addition, Minister Samuda highlighted the Government’s recent emergency measures.

“Last year, over $4 million was spent in trucking water to affected communities, with Mocho receiving a significant portion of that support. In response to ongoing needs, we have allocated an additional $2 million to assist residents. Furthermore, over 30 residents benefited from the water tank programme last year, and our plans are on track for 45 residents to benefit this year”, he said.

Minister Samuda continued, “This Government, working through the relevant agencies, has been actively implementing real solutions to improve water access in Mocho. We care about the people of Mocho and are responding with planning, investment, and execution. The people of Mocho deserve sustainable, reliable water, and that is exactly what we are working to deliver”.

The Ministry remains committed to ensuring rural communities across Jamaica benefit from improved water access through smart investment, strong partnerships, and decisive leadership.

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Some 9000 residents in Westmoreland will receive improved water security from a Non Pariel Water Project

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), Sen. Hon. Matthew Samuda, said approximately 9,000 persons will receive improved water security from a National Water Commission project that will target the Non Pariel, Retirement, and Orange Hill region in Westmoreland.

“This approximately $475 million project sees the major communities of Mount Airy, Good Hope, Orange Hill, Retirement, Brighton, Hog Haven, and Whitehall benefitting from a system that is designed to serve up to 9,000 persons,” said Minister Samuda today during the official commissioning ceremony for the water project.

The improved system has the capacity to handle 500,000 gallons per day (2.25 million liters), and is outfitted with two pumping stations, two storage reservoirs, and transmission and distribution pipelines.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western, Morland Wilson; Mayor of Savanna-la-mar and Councillor for Negril Division, Bertel Moore; NWC’s Regional Manager for Westmoreland & Hanover, Jeffrey Smith, and other senior representatives from the NWC and MEGJC.

“The Non Pariel Water Project illustrates what a unified Administration along with the citizens of Jamaica can accomplish. This new system was completed by the Rural Water Supply who was instrumental in the design and implementation, and the National Water Commission operates and maintains the system with the help of the team at the Water Resources Authority,” said Minister Samuda.

Construction of the project commenced in 2018 with the execution of the following contracts:

  • A contract for the construction of two (2) Pumping Stations at White Hall and Orange Hill.
  • Two (2) pipe laying contracts.
  • A contract for the construction of a 1.1 million litres Concrete Reservoir at Mount Airy.
  • The installation of 250,000 litres Bolted Steel Reservoir at Orange Hill (Woodland).

Minister Samuda ended that this water system forms part of the Government’s mandate to ensure citizens have access to potable and reliable water and is one of several projects commissioned in the past few months aimed at achieving this plan.

Minister Warmington breaks ground for a $200 million road project in Trelawny

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Clifford E. Warmington, MP, today broke ground for a $200 million road project that extends from Wakefield to Deeside in Trelawny.

Minister Warmington, who has portfolio responsibility for works, expressed his satisfaction at the ceremony that the first phase of the project will commence after his announcement one year ago.

“I am indeed happy to be here in support of the Member of Parliament to break ground for the project named Falmouth to Springvale. The entire project itself was priced at a little over $800 million, so it will be done in phases. The first phase is from Wakefield to Deeside, where we allocated $200 million for that section. I was here one year ago to announce the project, that we were going to do it, and I am here one year after to break ground for the project and will be back in a few months to cut the ribbon,” he said.

The project’s corridor links communities such as Martha Brae, Granville, Hammersmith, Bounty Hall, Tilston, Peru, Green Park, Friendship, Wakefield, Deeside, Dromilly, and Bunkers Hill. It is also linked to the main town of Falmouth, the Maroon Town in St. James and St. Elizabeth.

Also in attendance were the Member of Parliament for Trelawny North, Tova Hamilton; Councillor for the Wakefield Division, Jonathan Bartley; the National Works Agency Western Regional Manager, Robert Francis; and Contractor for BF Pavement & Consultant, Donovan Bryan.

Minister Warmington noted that this project comes at an opportune time as the condition of the road section had significantly deteriorated, which gave rise to the need for rehabilitation works along this corridor.

He added that the alternate route, which is Martha Brae through Peru, Bunkers Hill, Dromilly to Deeside, was not considered to be a viable option as the condition of the different corridors significantly increased commute time.

Minister Warmington said Ms. Hamilton was instrumental in the commencement of the project through her representation, “We can see that the Member of Parliament through her forcefulness and dedication to the constituency has made the necessary representation and through that, we have been able to address quite a number of roads in her constituency”.

The scope of works includes de-bushing and trimming of banks, earthworks, cleaning of drains, earth drains, outlets, and culverts, construction of catch basins, concrete U & V drains, pavement works, and ancillary roadworks.

It is expected that phase two, which extends from Martha Brae to Bounty Hall, will begin early in the next financial year with another $200 million projected cost.

Water Projects in St. Mary and St. James benefit thousands

Between thirty and forty-thousand residents in Eastern St. Mary, and approximately two thousand residents of communities in Montego Bay St. James are currently benefitting from improvements in their supply of water from projects undertaken by the National Water Commission in the two parishes.

They are the Iter Boreale Well Improvement works in Eastern St. Mary and the Torado Heights (Number one and two) Tanks in Montego Bay, St. James.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Iter-Boreale system on Thursday, July 21, 2022, Minister Samuda noted that water is the base of all economic activity and heralds the future growth of the people of St. Mary.

“Economic growth then brings employment, so it then forms the base of future personal growth.  As people get employed they get job opportunities and things get better.  But importantly, they form the basis for human dignity and human health”, the Minister said.

Noting how critical it is for governments to ensure that all citizens have access to potable water, Minister Samuda stressed that there are certain challenges in doing so, among them fiscal constraints .

“I’ve never met an employee at NWC who doesn’t want to provide everybody with 24 hours of potable water at their homes.  There is the fiscal constraint and that is something that we have to confront, and it requires restructuring, it requires new thinking and it requires an expanded non-revenue water programme, similar to the one that we would have launched in Portmore, and one that we would have done some review of in Kingston and St. Andrew”, Minister Samuda noted.

The Minister pointed out that a critical ingredient in the supply of water is energy costs, adding that the National Water Commission, like all other entities and citizens, has faced increased costs due to the increase in oil prices.

“Everytime there is an increase in oil prices, it affects new projects and our ability to move faster to connect new customers or to repair old lines etc.  We have had significant increases just like all citizens in the country, for our power.  This has affected us negatively. It is because of this within the coming weeks I expect cabinet to review and hopefully approve, a plan that will see NWC look to revamp its energy usage at all levels”.

However, Minister Samuda was at pains to point out that persons should not construe this to mean that the NWC is leaving the grid, but rather that the NWC is taking a “hard look”  at its power usage and the possibility of utilizing cheaper sources at some of its plants.

“It does mean that we will have to work with our stakeholders including JPS going forward to ensure that we use the best systems, that we get the best rates and that we are able to change the situation because small changes in that area allow us to do community projects that benefit thousands and thousands of Jamaicans”, the Minister continued.

Noting that the impacts of climate change was another consideration in the provision of water, Minister Samuda pointed out that in May this year, the island received rainfall that was equal to 49 percent of its 30 year average, with St. Mary in Particular, receiving 46 percent of its 30 year average in May.

“If you have less rainfall, if you have increased energy costs, we’re going to have challenges. One of the ways that we are going to beat that challenge is that we are going to have to look at all our systems and we have to take care of the leaky pipes.   We have to put in place a non-revenue water system nationally and its something we are looking at in terms of what the best model is for financing because that is going to be critical as we deal with the ravages of climate change.  There is no way around it.  We won’t be able to lose a drop of water if we are going to manage the changes in weather patterns and that is just the reality” he said.

The Iterboreale System will benefit residents in Islington, Nutsfield, Highgate and several other communities going as far as central St. Mary.

In commissioning the Iterboreale system, Minister Samuda reiterated his concern about the theft of water, which he emphasized during a previous tour on Wednesday July 20, of the Torado Heights Number One and Two tanks in Montego Bay, St. James.

During that tour, Minister Samuda, who was joined by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Homer Davis,  emphasized that the projects to ensure a steady supply of water to citizens are not cheap, noting for example, that the upgrade to the Torado Heights Number 2 tank represented an investment of $125-million dollars.

“We want to maintain them, we want everybody to have flowing water through their pipes all the time.  But it means that those who are stealing it have to come on to the system legally.  So we are asking and appealing to citizens to come forward if they have information on those stealing water”, the Minister said.

Minister Samuda further noted that the administration over the past six years had done a tremendous amount of technical work in improving the water supply across the country adding that dozens of projects are to come on stream, not only in Western Jamaica, but islandwide.

“You will be seeing a full roll out of water systems, right from here to Westmoreland. To be clear it is islandwide that these developments are taking place.  The NWC, Rural Water, the National Irrigation Commission are working around the clock to ensure that citizens have access to water, potable water in homes, irrigation water in agriculture, we are working around the clock to ensure that persons have it and we are investing behind it”.

The Torado Heights Number One Tank has a 200-thousand gallon capacity, while the capacity of the Number Two tank, which is 90-percent complete,  was quadrupled from 30-thousand gallons to 100-thousand gallons.

“In essence, the government would have put in 300-thousand gallons of storage capacity.  When we checked the system a while ago, since the system has been completed, eight million gallons have been pumped to Flower Hill thus far.  So you are seeing significant benefits and increase in the capacity of the NWC systems in this area”.

The Torado Heights systems will serve customers in Coral Gardens, Flower Hill and Torado Heights with a better, more reliable water supply.

Water is the driving force for Human dignity-Samuda

Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda has stated that water is the driving force for  development and Economic  Activity.

Beyond that however, he noted that water is the driving force for Human dignity. Minister Samuda, who was speaking on Thursday July 7,  at the Commissioning ceremony for the NWC’S $113 million  Luana to Middle Quarters Water Pipeline Project, in St Elizabeth, stated  that for this reason,   commissioning ceremonies are very important to the Government.

“IT is why the Prime Minister has said we must do all we can to connect the pipes”, the  Minister said.

Noting the critical importance of water to people lives,  Minister Samuda made reference to the threat to the nation’s water security by the impacts of climate change, particularly  the declines in rainfall currently being experienced by Portland, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth.

“St Elizabeth has had the largest decline in rainfall over the past 60 days, so we are very cognisant of the issues of those who are connected to water who have not gotten their regular supply.  We will be doing what we need to do to ensure that you get some reprieve,” the Minister said.

He disclosed that for those who depend on other sources, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation would be working  with it’s partners at Rural Water Supply Limited, the Ministry of Local Government and the municipalities to address their issues.
Minister Samuda emphasized that unlike some Members of Parliament who get excited about money allocated for trucking water, this administración feels no such excitement.

“We get excitement when we are able to turn on the pipes on a Thursday because that means that we return the dignity to our citizens.  It means that we build the base for development.  It means that people have a Human right delivered to them in potable water.  That is what this administración is working for” Minister Samuda noted.

The Luana to Middle Quarters Pipeline Project will benefit approximately 1200 customers in the  communities of  Luana, Baptist Point,  Middle Quarters,  Craigie, Clinic Road, and Sections of New Holland.

Applications are currently being processed for water connections in Rockland, Lancewood and Diligent.

The government is taking its environmental responsibility seriously and is facilitating green investments – Samuda

Like other members of her community, Kereen Dawkins, the President of the Westgate Hills Citizens’ Association, is rejoicing following the installation of the Westgate Hills #2 Storage Tank that has been commissioned by Senator Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Following the commissioning ceremony that was hosted by the National Water Commission (NWC) in the St James community on Thursday, June 17, 2022, Dawkins expressed gratitude for the installation of the tank that has a capacity of 100,000 US gallons and will serve residents of Westgate Hills.

“It’s amazing. Years in waiting. The residents of Westgate Hills are very thankful that the Commissioning is being done today,” she said.

She explained that the previous tank only had the capacity to maintain the community for half-day if there was a disruption.  

However, with this new $30 million glass-fused-to steel bolted tank, the community will enjoy a more consistent water supply. In addition, there will be a reduction in energy consumption and Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses.

Marlene Malahoo Forte, the Member of Parliament for St James West Central, also thanked the NWC for replacing the tank that will go a far way in serving the residents of the community. She also commended the NWC for delivering a quality project that will drastically improve the reliability of supply and applauded the future plans of the Commission to serve more customers in several surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, in his address to those in attendance, Senator Samuda lauded the NWC for replacing the Westgate Hills #2 Storage Tank.

However, he stressed that there is a need for the NWC to reduce its energy usage, as approximately $900 million of the Commission’s monthly revenue is spent on electrical energy.

“If we were able to contain this (energy costs) by upgrading our equipment that is inefficient and by looking at our engagement of renewables, we will be able to build far more systems like the one behind me, and the team is working around clock, looking at what can be done,” Samuda said. 

By reducing its energy bill, Samuda believes that efficiency will improve significantly.

Nonetheless, he was also happy to announce that 30 other tanks across the island are now practically completed as part of the NWC’s Tank & Pump Rehabilitation for Operational Efficiency Improvement Programme. The tank component of the project cost the NWC approximately $575 million.

Through this project, the Commission has rehabilitated and re-commissioned of storage reservoirs; equip storage reservoirs with local water level monitoring and recording facilities complemented by SMS signalling and additional facilities to communicate water level data; optimised system pressure; reduced pump hours; and minimised peak hours pumping and maximised ‘Time-of-Use’ tariff regime.