The cost of damage to the National Water Commission infrastructure from Hurricane Melissa is J$10.2 billion.

Water Minister Mathew Samuda made the disclosure during a press briefing this morning.

He explained that this includes restoration or repair work, purchase of generators, purchase of water trucks among other things.

Mr. Samuda said Cabinet has been given a first phase response plan which will cost J$3 billion.

He said 76% of  n-w-c customers  have been reconnected. 

The minister said 267 systems are now active, with 496 systems still disrupted. 

Samuda said one hundred and 30 thousand customers remain unrestored. 

The water minister  called on residents to be patient, noting that water restoration is linked to the supply of electricity. 

He added that the NWC will begin to publish the list of pumps by parish which are awaiting power and the timeline for water connections.