With projections from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica showing prolonged dry conditions stretching into October this year, Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda has put Jamaicans on alert for full prohibition orders for water usage, which he says will take effect on August 10 if the forecast remains unchanged or worsens.

The warning comes following a Thursday morning meeting of the Integrated Water Resources Management Council — a Cabinet subcommittee comprising all stakeholders in the water sector; academia; municipalities; and the ministries of agriculture, health and national security. That report was complemented by forecasts of the Met Service and assessments of the Water Resources Authority, according to Samuda.

Since earlier this year, nightly water restrictions and scheduled supply cuts have been implemented in vulnerable Corporate Area networks, such as Kingston 20, given the drought conditions.