The National Water Commission (NWC) has acquired 30 new Isuzu pick-up trucks at a cost of J$200 million, in a move to enhance its operations and increase service delivery.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda who viewed the new vehicles at the NWC’s Marescaux Road compound yesterday (November 8, 2023), said the acquisition forms part of the planned phasing out of the Commission’s aging fleet.

Minister Samuda said this would ensure that the NWC’s maintenance department as well as its activities in the field are supported by the necessary transportation.

“We have committed to ensuring that the National Water Commission has the equipment it needs and has the skill sets that it needs. But we know that with skills sets, you (also) require the appropriate tools. The NWC does have an aging fleet, so this is a step in modernizing that fleet”, he stated.

The procurement of the vehicles is a welcomed move, as on a daily basis, various teams from the NWC are dispatched to operate and monitor more than one thousand (1000) water supply facilities islandwide, as well as 350 storage tank facilities, many of which are situated in remote locations.

In addition, the NWC monitors some 12,000 kilometers of pipeline that are installed across the island and carries out other functions including meter reading, as well as the collection and distribution of material for its daily operations.

Meanwhile, Minister Samuda also noted that the NWC would be moving to procure an additional six (6) water trucks.

“We know that the emergency service requires the NWC to be able to respond to drought when it does come…we are investing in serving you at the level that you deserve to be served”, the Minister stated.

Last year September, the NWC acquired eight (8) water trucks at a cost of over J$114.8 million, as part of the drought alleviation measures which effectively increased its fleet to over 400 vehicles.

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