“There Is Hope!” Prime Minister Activates Water Projects to Alleviate Community Water Challenges
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has assured Jamaicans that their long-standing water issues are being decisively addressed, as his administration ramps up investments and accelerates infrastructure upgrades to deliver reliable water supply to communities across the island.
Speaking on Wednesday (May 14) at the groundbreaking for the J$592 million Munroe Road to Seaview Avenue Pipeline Project in St. Andrew, Prime Minister Holness made it clear that the work being done is the result of strong governance, sound economic management, and deliberate planning by the current administration.
“This is the administration that is changing how things have been. We are spending. We are increasing capital allocation to water in the National Water Commission’s (NWC) budget several times over. So, it means that the pace of bringing water to your community has increased,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister was direct in addressing public concerns and frustrations over delayed water access in some communities, emphasizing that while not all areas will benefit at once, the government is working tirelessly to accelerate delivery to many residents.
“Even if we had a trillion dollars to spend on water, we could not all at once provide every single community with water. Your frustration with not having water in your pipe is valid, but don’t believe in your mind that it is an intentional neglect on the part of the government,” Dr. Holness said.
The Munroe Road to Seaview Avenue project forms part of a broader national water infrastructure programme, which Prime Minister Holness says has seen unprecedented capital investments under his leadership.
He contrasted the current administration’s approach with previous governments, noting that, “In 2014, the NWC projected to spend J$376 million for the entire island. We’re spending nearly J$1.1 billion on just this one project alone.”
At the same time, the Prime Minister highlighted ongoing and upcoming major projects, including the Western Resilience Pipeline Project, the Washington Boulevard pipeline replacement, the Ferry to Rockpond upgrade, and the landmark Rio Cobre to Content project, all contributing to a more reliable and expansive water network across Jamaica.
“Yes, it will take some time to reach every community, but this administration is increasing the pace. This administration has the programme with the endurance. So I urge you, keep the faith, stay hopeful,” Dr. Holness urged.
Reiterating the link between sound economic management and improved service delivery, the Prime Minister said:
“Once you see your economy is doing well, you go one foot on the ladder of hope. Secondly, is there a process by which the revenues that are earned in the country will be properly spent? Yes. Then the third thing: is there a programme that is properly designed to deliver water? Yes, there is such a programme.”
The project, the Prime Minister said, is also expected to unlock housing potential, protect the environment, and boost economic opportunities for young people in the area.
“This project will bring reliable water supply to the area. It will improve sewage disposal. It will protect our environment. It will create more opportunities for housing for our young people. It will create more jobs and indeed, it will increase the welfare of all Jamaicans.”
Prime Minister Holness said this current administration is determined to continue “project by project, commissioning by commissioning” to reduce suffering and bring essential services like water to the Jamaican people.