Members of Jamaica’s Infrastructure and Physical Development Committee expressed deep skepticism on Wednesday over the National Water Commission’s (NWC) optimistic recovery figures following Hurricane Melissa. Despite NWC’s claim that 75% of its systems had been restored islandwide, MPs highlighted the stark disparity between these numbers and the ongoing water shortages in severely affected western parishes. Acting NWC Vice President of Operations, Dr. Phillipa Campbell-Francis, explained the complexity of the recovery process, citing 1,000 water systems dependent on electricity, many of which remain damaged or inoperable. However, MPs like James Robertson of St Thomas Western and Heroy Clarke of St James Central argued that the NWC’s data failed to reflect the dire reality on the ground, where communities still lacked piped water weeks after the storm. Clarke criticized the inefficiency of water trucking operations, noting that logistical delays left many areas underserved. MPs also questioned the methodology behind the NWC’s figures, with Richard Azan of Clarendon North Western quipping that the numbers seemed “drone-generated.” NWC officials acknowledged challenges, including power outages, siltation, and pipeline leaks, but assured that efforts were underway to restore full service. Despite support from Global Support and Development, which provided emergency water supplies, parishes like Westmoreland and St Elizabeth remain far from full recovery. The committee urged the NWC to provide clearer data and realistic timelines to address the crisis effectively.