KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a proactive move to address potential water disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has readied over 50 triple-phase generators for deployment. These generators aim to restore potable water to 80% of National Water Commission (NWC) customers within 72 hours post-storm. The announcement was made by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Friday. This initiative follows the lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which caused significant delays in water restoration for several communities. Additionally, four mobile generators have been rented to support vulnerable areas at risk of prolonged water supply disruptions. Samuda emphasized that this approach marks a significant improvement from previous responses, enabling communities to replenish water storage facilities and stabilize distribution systems. The NWC is collaborating closely with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to prioritize the restoration of water pumps serving critical infrastructure, including hospitals and detention centers. Furthermore, the ministry is coordinating with municipal corporations and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to ensure water trucking services are promptly delivered to affected areas once the storm has passed.
#EyeOnMelissa: Over 50 generators positioned for rapid water restoration by NWC
