More Than 3,000 Castleton Residents to Benefit from Upgraded Water System as Government Advances Push for Water Security
Prime Minister Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness has reiterated the Government’s commitment to equitable, resilient development with the commissioning of the Castleton Pipeline Replacement Project in St. Mary.
The upgraded system will provide improved water access to over 3,000 residents in Castleton, Friendship Gap, and Cleary Spring.
Speaking at the official ceremony on Friday (May 16), Prime Minister Holness said the upgraded water supply system is part of a broader national push to secure Jamaica’s water infrastructure.
“Today is not just a celebration of new infrastructure, but it is a signal of what we mean when we talk about real development with infrastructure that improves lives, builds resilience, and unlocks opportunity,” the Prime Minister stated.
Dr. Holness said the $25.1 million investment, spearheaded by the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, will see the replacement of old, inefficient pipelines with two kilometres of modern, four-inch galvanised mains, delivering stronger water pressure and more reliable water flow to homes.
“The expanded capacity will ensure stronger water pressure and a more reliable flow to households. We are also dramatically reducing technical water losses, leaks and inefficiencies that have historically wasted valuable treated water and undermined system reliability,” the Prime Minister noted.
Underscoring the benefits to residents, Prime Minister Holness added:
“Access to clean, reliable water is a fundamental human right. It affects health outcomes, educational achievement, economic productivity, and quality of life. A child should never have to walk miles to fetch water before school. A farmer should not have to choose between watering crops and preserving household supply.”
Prime Minister Holness also highlighted that Castleton’s water system is being built with future generations in mind.
“This administration remains deeply committed to the principle of balanced development, ensuring that infrastructure investments are spread equitably across the country. Let me be clear, this is not the end of our investment in Castleton. It is a signal of what is to come.”
The Castleton project is one of several rural infrastructure upgrades as part of the Government’s drive toward Vision 2030, with a special focus on building inclusive, sustainable, and water-secure communities across Jamaica.