New water plant promises drought relief

Drought-hit residents across sections of the Corporate Area and St Catherine could soon get much-needed relief, as construction of the Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant in Content, St Catherine, moves ahead.
The major water project is now about 54 per cent complete, with the US$92-million facility expected to be finished by May 2027.
Once operational, the plant will produce an additional 15 million gallons of treated water each day for customers in Kingston and St Andrew, Spanish Town and sections of Portmore.
The boost is expected to help shore up Jamaica’s water supply during droughts while providing additional capacity for residential, commercial and industrial growth.
Matthew Samuda, minister of water, environment and climate change (MWECC), highlighted the project’s importance during a recent visit to the facility.
“In the worst drought, you’re short 12 million gallons between demand and supply. This project will supply 15 million gallons, which not only addresses that deficit but also provides additional capacity for population growth and commercial development,” he explained.
Samuda also sought to reassure residents currently struggling with drought conditions, saying the Government’s investments are aimed at providing long-term solutions.
He praised the progress of the project, saying it is moving ahead of schedule and within budget.
“We are very happy with the progress of the Vinci Construction team. NWC is eager to be able to move water through those areas by the middle of next year. The project is on time, is on budget, and we are very pleased with the progress,” Samuda said.
The project is being undertaken through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by Rio Cobre Water Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle established through a partnership involving Vinci Construction Grands Projets, PanJam Group, Eppley Limited, Sagicor Jamaica Limited, Proparco and IDB Invest.
The US$92 million project is being developed under a Water Purchase Agreement with the National Water Commission (NWC), while N.O. Whyte and Associates Limited (NOWAL) is serving as the independent engineer.
The Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant is one of Jamaica’s largest water infrastructure investments and is expected to transform the reliability of water supplies for thousands of customers.