KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Water and Special Projects, Ian Hayles, on Thursday warned that Jamaica’s water sector remains plagued by inadequate planning, uneven investment and financial instability, leaving too many Jamaicans without reliable access to potable water.

Making his contribution to the 2026 Sectoral Debate under the theme “Securing Jamaica’s Water Future: Accountability, Infrastructure, Results”, Hayles argued that despite repeated announcements and ambitious targets, significant gaps remain in both water access and service delivery.

“Water is life, yet in 2026 nearly one-quarter of Jamaican households remain unconnected to a potable water supply,” Hayles said.