Government Expands Water Relief Capacity with New Fleet of Water Trucks
The Government of Jamaica has strengthened national recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa with the deployment of twelve new Shacman water trucks to the National Water Commission (NWC). Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness said the acquisition is valued at J$199 million and forms part of the Government’s accelerated response to restore essential services to communities that continue to face severe water disruptions.
Speaking at the Official Handover Ceremony, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the Government will continue to play its part in supporting Jamaicans as they recover and rebuild.
“While the nation continues to rebuild homes, restore infrastructure, and re-establish livelihoods, we must also address the essentials of daily living. Few essentials are more fundamental than access to safe, clean water,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr. Holness explained that Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to water infrastructure across the island, including downed power lines to major pumping stations, damaged pipelines, blocked intakes and widespread flooding. The Prime Minister said many communities, particularly in western Jamaica, endured extended periods without piped water and were relying entirely on trucked supply.
“As the Government assessed the situation in the days immediately following the hurricane, it became clear that the demand for emergency water delivery had exceeded the capacity of the existing NWC fleet. Families were waiting longer, schools and clinics were under strain, and vulnerable communities faced growing uncertainty,” he said.
Against this backdrop, the Government fast-tracked procurement to bring the units into service immediately.
“Rather than planning for next year or waiting on a lengthy procurement window, we brought these units into service now, at the height of the recovery effort when Jamaican households need them most,” the Prime Minister stated.
The twelve trucks, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 litres, collectively add 146,000 litres of water-hauling capacity per cycle. This boost will enable more frequent deliveries, shorter waiting times, and a more reliable flow of potable water to communities whose systems remain offline.
The Prime Minister said the deployment strategy will be guided by equity, need and the severity of system disruptions. The units will be dispatched across the parishes most affected by the hurricane to ensure that residents, schools, clinics and vulnerable groups receive support consistently.
Importantly, Dr. Holness also emphasized that the trucks will serve beyond the current disaster and will remain vital assets for future emergencies, including droughts, hurricanes, and local system failures, where rapid water distribution becomes essential.
Prime Minister Holness expressed gratitude to the NWC team for their dedication throughout the hurricane and recovery period, as well as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, parish disaster committees, first responders and community groups assisting affected residents.
“Today’s handover symbolizes the Government’s determination to act swiftly, decisively, and compassionately in service to the Jamaican people. These trucks represent our promise that, in times of crisis, we will not leave any community behind.”