Government Delivers Improved Water Supply Benefitting more than 2,500 people in Port Royal and East Kingston
More than two thousand five hundred more Jamaicans now have improved water supply.
The move comes as part of a deliberate strategy by the Andrew Holness administration to improve the consistent and reliable delivery of potable water supply to communities across the island.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness yesterday officially commissioned the completion of the multi-million-dollar Port Royal Potable Water Transmission Main Upgrade.
This critical infrastructure project, led by the National Water Commission (NWC), replaces decades-old cast iron pipelines with 8.6 kilometers of modern High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, ensuring improved service for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Speaking on Tuesday (January 7) at the commissioning ceremony in Port Royal, Dr. Holness highlighted the transformative impact of this $533-million project.
“The people of Port Royal were severely impacted by the town’s outdated infrastructure. The old metal pipes, laid more than 60 years ago, could not carry the volume or pressure of water required, often breaking under strain. What we have done is to replace these pipes with high-density polyethylene ones, which are robust, flexible, and designed to last longer. This investment will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents and support the growing demands of businesses and visitors.”
The project, which began in 2023 was done in three phases.
The newly commissioned works cover the second and third segments, linking the Norman Manley International Airport roundabout to the NWC pumping station at Port Royal. These efforts complement the first phase, which addressed pipeline upgrades from Harbour View to the airport.
Importantly, Prime Minister Holness underscored the broader economic and strategic benefits of the initiative, noting its role in transforming Port Royal into a key cultural and economic hub.
“Port Royal has immense potential as a heritage and tourism destination. With investments in water infrastructure, cruise ship facilities, and other developments, we are creating opportunities for growth that will add to Jamaica’s GDP, create jobs, and generate revenues to fund improvements in other areas of the country. This is how we strategically and sustainably build our nation—one community at a time,” said Dr. Holness.
The Prime Minister also commended the management of the NWC for their stewardship in executing the project, emphasizing the importance of fiscally responsible governance in delivering impactful projects.
“This government is committed to balancing national and personal interests. By addressing immediate needs like water access, while making strategic investments for the future, we are ensuring a better quality of life for our citizens and sustained economic growth for our country,” added Prime Minister Holness.
The upgraded water transmission system not only serves the residents of Port Royal but also supports the Palisadoes Strip and the Port Royal Shipping Port. With cruise ships bringing over 3,000 visitors per trip and local businesses relying on a consistent water supply, this project is poised to elevate Port Royal as a premier destination and a model for community revitalization.