Government has signed a funding agreement for the Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant.

This will improve access to reliable potable water in the Kingston Metropolitan Area and parts of St. Catherine.

The initiative will address growing demand, enhance water reliability and strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change.

Over 600,000 Jamaicans are expected to benefit, through the daily supply of 15 million imperial gallons of water.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Kingston, Water Minister Matthew Samuda noted that the project will trigger water resilience in the corporate area, amid shifting weather patterns.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will provide long-term financing for up to US$79 million.

This includes a US$30 million loan from IDB Invest and US$49 million mobilized from partners, including Sagicor Bank Jamaica Limited, and the Development Bank of Jamaica.

The financing has an extended repayment period of up to 20 years, terms previously unavailable in the local market, and is specifically designed to ensure affordable water tariffs for Jamaicans.

IDB country representative in Jamaica, Natacha Marzolf said the partnership will have a lasting impact on Jamaica.