Government Orders 33 New Water Pumps to Boost Island-Wide Access

Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Government Orders 33 New Water Pumps – In a bid to enhance access to clean water across Jamaica, the government has announced plans to acquire 33 new water pumps. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve water supply in communities island-wide. The announcement was made by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness during a visit to Pimento Walk in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Friday, June 21.

Prime Minister Holness emphasized the government’s commitment to upgrading water infrastructure and ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential resources. “The government is looking at our pumps and we are trying to order them in advance so 33 new pumps are on order to serve communities like this one,” Mr. Holness stated during his tour.

Major Investment in Water Infrastructure

The acquisition of these pumps is a significant financial commitment, with each pump costing approximately $20 million. “You can just imagine the budget that the government is putting forward to ensure that small, rural communities like these can have the basics, get their roads and their water,” Mr. Holness added.

This investment reflects the government’s broader strategy to enhance rural development and address critical infrastructure needs. The Prime Minister highlighted that alongside the provision of water, efforts are also being made to improve road conditions in affected areas.

Focus on Rehabilitation and New Investments

“The government is working on the water infrastructure in the community by doing whatever rehabilitation and maintenance there is, but we are also making new investments in the water supply, and we are, as much as we can, repairing the road,” Mr. Holness noted. The integration of water and road improvements underscores a holistic approach to community development.

Ministerial Oversight and Community Engagement

To oversee these initiatives, the Prime Minister has tasked Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, and the Hon. Robert Morgan, who is responsible for Works in the Ministry. Their role includes visiting various communities to assess and address road and water challenges.

“Minister Samuda and Minister Morgan have been tasked to visit communities and look at road and water challenges that are being faced in those areas. [They are to] see how best, from the limited national budget, with so many other demands on it, to make sure that even the basics are available,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Progress in St. Ann

During his visit to Pimento Walk, Prime Minister Holness reviewed the progress of ongoing road work, which is being spearheaded by the National Works Agency (NWA). This visit was part of a broader working tour of several areas in St. Ann, demonstrating the government’s hands-on approach to infrastructure development.

The acquisition of the 33 new water pumps marks a critical step in the government’s efforts to enhance living standards and ensure equitable access to essential services across Jamaica. As these pumps are deployed, communities can expect improved water reliability, contributing to better health and quality of life.

PM Andrew Holness Gets Free Corn from St Elizabeth Farmer and Tells the Whole World about It