KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rural communities across Jamaica are set to benefit from improved access to reliable, potable water through a US$36 million investment in the Jamaica Rural Water Supply Programme.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Jamaica formalised arrangements on September 16 for the five-year programme, which will develop and upgrade six water-supply schemes across five parishes.

CDB President Daniel Best said the investment will improve quality of life while helping communities cope with increasing pressure on water resources.

“The Jamaica Rural Water Supply Programme is about far more than pipes, pumps and reservoirs. It is about improving lives,” Best said.

Approximately 62 per cent of the population targeted by the programme currently relies on unimproved water sources, including rainwater and springs.

The programme will expand access to utility-grade water while reducing the time households spend collecting and storing water. It is also expected to support economic activity in agriculture, small businesses and tourism.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the programme supports the government’s goal of expanding reliable, utility-grade water access across Jamaica.

“We are edging closer to achieving universal utility-grade water access in Jamaica. Every year, we are making investments of this nature,” Holness said.

The project will upgrade water treatment and transmission infrastructure, develop water sources and storage capacity, and install energy-efficient pumps, solar photovoltaic systems and remote monitoring technology.

The CDB will provide US$30 million, representing about 83 per cent of the programme’s cost, primarily through concessional resources from its Special Development Fund. The Jamaican government will contribute US$6.249 million.

Best said the investment is particularly important as climate change increases pressure on Caribbean water resources through drought, changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather.

“As we respond to today’s needs, we must also prepare for tomorrow’s realities,” he said. “Investments such as this allow us to deliver essential services while building the resilience communities need for the future.”

Rural Water Supply Limited will implement the programme over 60 months, with completion targeted for September 2031.

The upgraded systems will be designed to National Water Commission standards and transferred to the NWC for operation and maintenance once the project is completed.