News from the OPM

Over $5. Billion in Improvements to Water Supply Infrastructure Driven by Growth, Not Borrowing


Over $5. Billion in Improvements to Water Supply Infrastructure Driven by Growth, Not Borrowing

“You have a good government. A government that understands the delicate balance that has to be maintained with the national interest and with your personal interest.”

– Prime Minister Holness

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Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the government remains committed to ensuring adequate and reliable water supply for all Jamaicans while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Port Royal Pipeline Replacement Project earlier in the week, Prime Minister Holness highlighted several upcoming and ongoing water projects spearheaded by the National Water Commission (NWC). The government, through the NWC, will invest over $5. billion on these improvement projects. Prime Minister Holness says it is all funded from the NWC’s revenues—not through borrowing.

Dr. Holness emphasized the importance of careful resource management.

“The government has been wise in how we spend. We are spending the resources in a fiscally responsible way, in a sustainable way, in a strategic way. And no one can say that the investment in Port Royal will not yield results for the country.”

He also emphasized the need for balancing immediate needs with long-term national interests.

“Governments have to be very sensitive in balancing as we pursue what is in the national interest and what is in the national good. But we also have to acknowledge that people have to live now,” explained Dr. Holness.

The Prime Minister further warned against the pitfalls of borrowing to finance development.

“Jamaica must now turn the page on its history of development through borrowing. We must develop by growing—balancing the needs of today while preserving opportunities for tomorrow. If you provide development through borrowing, you limit the potential of the development not just in the long term, but in the short term. And worst of all, you end up burdening future generations to pay for your consumption today. This government is committed to developing Jamaica without depending on borrowing,” he stated.

The major water infrastructure investments being undertaken by the NWC include:

  • Kingston & St. Andrew: $3.225 billion
  • St. Ann: $900 million
  • St. Mary: $600 million
  • St. Thomas: $550 million
  • Clarendon: $375 million
  • Manchester: $75 million
  • Trelawny: $120 million

These investments are critical in addressing the country’s water challenges and are being carried out strategically to improve the government’s capacity for future economic and development growth.

The Port Royal Pipeline Replacement Project is part of a broader development strategy aimed at revitalizing Port Royal as a heritage and economic hub. Investments in water infrastructure, sewage systems, and other amenities are designed to enhance the town’s appeal while fostering sustainable growth. Prime Minister Holness underscored that, “The investment in Port Royal is that strategy to develop by growing. That is what we’re doing.”

Details were given on several other projects in Port Royal, including the construction of a sewage treatment plant, improved roads, and upgraded facilities for the cruise tourism industry.

Prime Minister Holness also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to thoughtful governance, stating, “You have a good government. A government that understands the delicate balance that has to be maintained with the national interest and with your personal interest. And it requires a skillful, thoughtful government to be able to balance those needs, to deal with the needs of the future while addressing the needs of the current and to address the needs of the current without in any way damaging the possibilities of the future.”