The Government of Jamaica, through the National Water Commission (NWC), officially broke ground today (May 27, 2025) for the J$1 billion Ferry to Rock Pond Pipeline Project.

The project runs across three constituencies and is set to bring much-needed water relief to several communities in Red Hills and surrounding areas. The NWC is spearheading this transformative initiative and forms part of the Government’s continued efforts to expand and modernise Jamaica’s water distribution network.

The project includes the installation of approximately 7,220 metres of 12-inch ductile iron pipeline from the Ferry Pump Station to Topaz Crescent.

It also involves the construction of two relift stations, two 50,000-gallon storage tanks, and the installation of duty and standby pumps. Rehabilitation works will also be carried out at the existing Ferry compound to improve operational efficiency.

In his address, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, noted that many of the projects for which ground was recently broken, including the Ferry to Rock Pond Project, are not new, with several being on the books for years.   However, he noted, the finances to implement them were lacking.

“For us to do the actual capital investment, lay the pipe, put in the pump, develop the water source, you have to be able to invest, and to maintain it, you have to have the funds for the recurrent expenditure. What happened to Jamaica over the last four or five decades is that we simply did not have the capital budget or the recurrent budget”, Prime Minister Holness said.

Once completed, the project will directly benefit residents across the communities of Red Hills, Belvedere, Rock Pond, Cyprus Hall, Mosquito Valley, Plantation Heights, Brentwood, Stanmore, Tom Cringle, and Sterling Castle. These communities have long faced water supply challenges, particularly during the dry season.

The Ferry to Rock Pond Pipeline Project is aligned with the Government’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to basic infrastructure, especially in rapidly growing and underserved areas.

Prime Minister Holness also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Forest Hill Solar PV Project. The total project cost of J$81,500,000 covers materials, labour, and associated expenses.

It was completed on April 16 and involved the installation of a 350-kW grid-tied solar photovoltaic system, designed to supplement the facility’s energy requirements and reduce dependence on the national electricity grid.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, noted that the energy investment is a critical component of not only this project, but several others to come, as it will not only build stability in the price of energy, but also the supply.

“Much of Jamaica lives in the hilly interior of the island, and we must pump from surface water sources up these hills, which requires triple-phase power.  Much of the network is the old-style English pumps that use up a lot of electricity.  So, this sort of investment in a 350-kilowatt grid-tide solar system,  for some J$81.5 million, creates the sort of resilience for the 26,000 residents who will benefit from the pipeline that is to come”, he stated.

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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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.

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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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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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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Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda says Cabinet has approved $150 million for the trucking of water to areas that are currently experiencing drought conditions; $40 million will be disbursed immediately to several areas based on their current situation.

Minister Samuda was speaking at today’s (February 26, 2025) Post Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House.

The areas to receive immediate funding include Manchester, Westmoreland; Clarendon; St. Elizabeth; as well as Eastern Portland and Eastern St. Thomas.

“The trucking programme will be overseen by the municipalities. We will be making those transfers through the Ministry of Local Government from MEGJC (the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation) this week.  This will allow Members of Parliament and Councillors to immediately respond to those most in need”, he noted.

Noting that Jamaica had a bimodal rainfall pattern with February traditionally being the driest month of the year, Minister Samuda said as early as December there were reductions in rainfall in the South Central and Western sections of the island.

“What this has triggered for the National Water Commission is not a national problem, but 23 of our systems are experiencing shortfalls in their water intake, meaning 5 percent of our water systems are now being regulated”, he noted.

In the meantime, Minister Samuda explained that the Corporate Area would not experience water regulations as the latest checks, showed the Hermitage Dam at 89 percent and the Mona Reservoir at 98 percent.

This is the first of many drought alleviation steps to be taken.  The Government through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, will commence the distribution of 10,000 water tanks by this weekend.

“What that will allow, in essence, is 150 recipients per constituency to receive tanks. It is a major intervention in the tertiary storage level” the Minister stated.

The Government will continue to monitor the drought conditions carefully.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says this year, the Government will invest billions in water projects this year, to support the work of the island’s major water provider, the National Water Commission (NWC).

While Dr. Holness, did not disclose the exact expenditure, noting that the announcement would be made during his Budget Debate Presentation, he stated that the Government will “step up to the plate” and put “a lot of money” into water projects.  He added that the objective of the NWC is to increase coverage for potable water by expanding their utility footprint from 78% to 85%.

“Already the NWC has over J$7.3 billion under contract, meaning they have gone through project development, they have gone through procurement and now they have signed the contracts with the various contractors to execute. They are now waiting on the budget to be read and the warrant to be issued”, he explained.

Dr. Holness spoke last Friday (February 7, 2025), at the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the Whitehall to Newmarket Water Supply Project in North West St. Elizabeth.

The Prime Minister further noted that the NWC already has J$2.9 billion worth of works in procurement, in addition to the $7.3 billion dollars.

Dr. Holness reiterated that under the Shared Prosperity to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme, approximately J$2.5 billion will be spent on water infrastructure and Rural Water Supply Limited will expend J$1 billion on small water projects across Jamaica

He said other Government Agencies would also be expending significant sums to improve the water infrastructure across the island.  They include the National Housing Trust, which will be spending close to J$1billion to improve the infrastructure of existing housing developments and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) will set aside significant amounts for water projects in communities across Jamaica.

The $342 million While Hall to New Market Water Project will serve approximately 8,000 residents of Whitehall, Lewisville and Newmarket, who relied primarily on rainwater harvesting for many years, due to the lack of NWC infrastructure in the area.

Meanwhile, the Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, outlined the scope of work on the project.

“The project very simply will involve infrastructure work at the well in the community; installation of 2 major relift stations; installation of 3 major supply tanks; and some pipe works to connect the pipes done under the MIDP (Major Infrastructure Development Programme) between 2018 and 2020, with the installation of a further one and a half kilometers of six-inch pipes” the Minister explained.

Minister Samuda also took the opportunity to provide an update on the NWC Amnesty announced in November last year, noting that to date, over 1,300 customers who did not have water have now been reconnected.  This, he said, translated into a J$156 million write off.

The Minister added that a further 8,438 customers will be reconnected this month.

“With the other 8,000 plus customers that are awaiting, we are giving back to our citizens a further J$500 million plus. So, your government is investing to show that it cares. It is investing to ensure that when we turn on the pipes, there is water in them and this community of Newmarket cannot be left behind and we are happy to start the project today”, he ended.

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The National Works Agency’s Accelerated Bridge Programme has been further strengthened with the signing of a Framework of Cooperation between the Government of Jamaica, and two United Kingdom-based entities, Acrow Global Limited and Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure Limited.

Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, told Parliament yesterday ( February 4, 2025) that the agreement establishes a collaborative and structured framework for the implementation of the Accelerated Bridge Programme.

“Under this framework, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the National Works Agency, Acrow Global Limited and Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure, have aligned efforts to ensure the seamless execution of the project. It entails the installation and upgrading of 54 bridges across the island.  This includes 44 permanent vehicular bridges, 3 permanent pedestrian bridges and 7 emergency use bridges” Minister Morgan explained.

The Minister said the GOJ has recognised the Programme, as a priority project within the Government to Government Framework of Cooperation with the United Kingdom’s Export Finance.

He added that the collaboration allows access to financing mechanisms that will accelerate implementation to ensure cost-effective execution.

“Under this programme, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation is the buyer and project overseer; the Ministry of Finance is the borrower responsible for securing funding; the National Works Agency is the implementing Agency ensuring technical and structural integrity; Lagan is the principal contractor responsible for the execution and Acrow is the specialist bridge supplier ensuring high-quality structures”, he stated.

The Accelerated Bridge Programme is a strategic national effort to enhance connectivity, improve public safety and facilitate economic growth by constructing and rehabilitating key bridges across the island.

Work is scheduled to begin in the Corporate Area this week, under Work Order 1 of the  Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Robert Morgan, gave an update on the Programme to the House of Representatives this afternoon (Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

“We have Everest Drive which started already. Then we’re going to have Bellevue Avenue in Kingston East and Port Royal.  In Kingston Western, we’re starting Bustamante Highway, (and) North Street from King Street to Crab Ground.  In St. Andrew East Rural we’re starting Passion Gardens and Bayview Retreat.  In St. Andrew Eastern, we’re doing Buttercup Drive, (and) Dougherty Drive. In St. Andrew North-Eastern, (we’re doing)  Liguanea Avenue and Richings Avenue;  St Andrew North-Central, Upper Aries and Orange Grove Road”, he stated.

He noted that Work Order 1 will be carried out at a cost of J$1.911 billion and will span 21 constituencies across eight (8) parishes, with a number of rehabilitation projects starting in several constituencies including the Corporate Area.

Minister Morgan said other roads to receive attention under Work Order 1 are located in South-Eastern, Eastern,  East-Central and South Central St. Catherine; North-West and Central Manchester; South-West, South East and North-East St. Elizabeth; Eastern and Western Portland; Central St. Mary; as well as Northern and Southern Trelawny, adding that  “we are actively assessing other additional roads to commence in the coming weeks”.

Work Order 2, he noted will cover 42 additional roads across 21 constituencies and is expected to commence in late February, while Work Order 3 which comprises another 42 roads across 21 additional constituencies, is scheduled to begin in early March.

The Minister stated that in this financial year, work will begin on about 126 critical roadways across Jamaica.

“At the end, all constituencies will get an initial two SPARK roads before the end of the financial year. We expect that by April we will start seeing the completion of our first set of SPARK roads with this tranche and we expect that these three work orders will be completed by June of this year”, he stated.

Minister Morgan stated that to ensure accountability and efficiency, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will strictly oversee project timelines, contractor performance and quality standards.

He encouraged Members of Parliament and local stakeholders to remain engaged in the monitoring process to ensure that all communities benefit fully from this initiative.

“This is the next chapter of Jamaica’s development. With the SPARK Programme, we are not just fixing roads. We are building pathways of opportunity. This initiative is an investment in the future of our citizens and a demonstration of the Government’s unwavering commitment to national development”, he ended.