Written by: Sugar Ray Thomas

Water Minister Matthew Samuda says it will take the Government decades at the current rate of expenditure to fix the Jamaica’s water challenges.

He made the admission as he reiterated that the Government will be investing $15 billion in the island’s water network this fiscal year.

The Minister was speaking at the National Water Commission’s (NWC) employees long service awards ceremony in Kingston last evening.

He explained that employees have carried more weight than they should, due to the NWC’s capital replacement ratio being below what is required.

Pointing out that the network pre-dates the establishment of the Commission, he said infrastructure such as pipes are old and collapsing.

Mr. Samuda said while the Government is proud of the investment it is making in the water network, more funds are required to upgrade the overall water infrastructure.

He said that for Jamaicans to have reliable and consistent water supply, the team at the NWC has to work even harder.

He lauded the employees who were honoured for their long and faithful service to the NWC and helping to build Jamaica.