Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced an emergency allocation of $150 million to facilitate the trucking of water and procurement of water tanks, to assist communities impacted by drought.

Speaking in parliament on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Holness noted that the 50 most impacted constituencies will initially benefit from the allocation, receiving $1.5 million each.

Some constituencies in Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and St. Ann, will receive an additional $2.5 million.

The allocations come as Mr. Holness noted that the ability of the National Water Commission (NWC) to produce and distribute water has been impacted.

He said 64 of the commission’s systems are impacted by the extensive drought.

Mr. Holness explained that the $150 million will only go to the 50 constituencies assessed to be most in need.

The Prime Minister said $5 million from the fund, will be reserved to treat with the remaining 13 constituencies that did not receive allocations, for use in case an emergency arises.

He acknowledged that the $150 million allocation is not enough and will not solve the problem entirely.