Water pressure

WATER Minister Matthew Samuda and National Water Commission (NWC) officials are defending the utility’s proposed 51 per cent tariff increase, arguing that rising operating costs, ageing infrastructure, and repeated droughts have made higher revenue necessary to maintain and improve water supply.

Speaking at a Jamaica Observer Press Club on Wednesday, Samuda acknowledged the public’s concerns about higher bills, but argued that the country can no longer postpone major repairs to its water system, while NWC Board Chairman Michael Shaw said the utility needs sufficient revenue to keep operating.

Full coverageNational Water Commission Seeks 51% Tariff Increase for Jamaica Customers6 reports

“If we could have asked for one per cent and been okay we would have asked for one per cent. No politician on the planet Earth is interested in increasing the cost of living. This is a necessary step to resolve long-standing issues in our water sector,” Samuda said.