KINGSTON, Jamaica — Greater than 34,000 Jamaicans have to this point benefited from the Nationwide Water Fee (NWC) amnesty programme geared toward clearing uncollectable money owed and restoring water entry to susceptible clients, in line with Minister with out Portfolio within the Ministry of Financial Development and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda.
The initiative, which targets pensioners, PATH recipients, and individuals with disabilities, has provided debt aid starting from 50 to 100 per cent, relying on the case.
Talking within the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate within the Home of Representatives on Could 27, Minister Samuda emphasised the social impression of the programme. “Complete reconnections, to this point – 7,901 clients have benefited, had their money owed written off, and been reconnected to the Fee,” he acknowledged.
Whereas the amnesty has resulted within the clearance of $547 million in beforehand uncollectable income, Samuda confused the better worth lies within the $1.4 billion in debt aid offered to susceptible households.
The Authorities can also be dedicated to making sure “dignified restoration” of water providers for all affected residents. “For individuals who have engaged with the Nationwide Water Fee, they don’t want to fret in regards to the date,” Samuda reassured. “As soon as their names are within the system earlier than the top of the month (Could), we will likely be working via the method and we intend to reconnect all clients.”
Moreover, the Minister disclosed that small and micro enterprise operators, who’ve referred to as for related help, could quickly obtain aid. “We’re taking a really critical have a look at the small and micro enterprise sectors… and on the conclusion of the initiative for the focused teams, we’ll make an announcement very quickly,” he stated.
The NWC, a authorities company, is remitted to ship high-quality potable water and sewerage providers throughout Jamaica in an economical and sustainable method. The amnesty is a part of the company’s broader mission to help nationwide improvement and social fairness.
