Jamaica takes action to address water crisis

The government of Jamaica has announced a number of actions to improve water production capacity in capital Kingston and the adjacent parish of St. Andrew (pictured), which make up the island’s so-called corporate area.

Speaking to parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that the main project will entail upgrading some of the area’s water distribution systems, which will require investments of US$160mn.

A 15mn-gallon potable water treatment plant is also set to be built on the Rio Cobre river in the parish of St. Catherine.

The projects will be carried out once ongoing waterworks in Hagley Park and Constant Spring roads in Kingston are completed, the Prime Minister's Office said in a release.

Authorities are also looking to source new water wells and springs.

Holness said that residents of the metropolitan area have been suffering from a lack of reliable potable water supply for several weeks and noted that water levels at the Mona and Hermitage reservoirs, both serving the island’s capital, are currently at only 27% and 33% of their respective capacities.

The official called on the population to save as much water as possible at least until the rainy season begins.