Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to the NWC with total losses exceeding J$10.28 billion

Minister Matthew Samuda reported that Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to the National Water Commission (NWC), with total losses exceeding J$10.28 billion, including infrastructure damage, lost revenue, and emergency response costs.

The government presented a two-phase restoration plan. The immediate phase, covers clearing access to sites, temporary pipeline repairs, installation of standpipes, trucking water using NWC and municipal resources, office repairs, and purchase or rental of generators. Over the next four to six months, a medium-term plan will strengthen infrastructure and replace underperforming generators.

Generators and water trucks are being redistributed to increase coverage, and the government is procuring 30 additional generators and all available local water tanks for distribution in the most affected areas. The NWC expects to restore 85% of customers within three days, with the remaining 15% dependent on continued coordination with JPS.

Minister Samuda also addressed flooding in Content, Manchester, where groundwater from limestone aquifers has risen about 300 feet due to heavy rainfall. The rise is slowly receding; Other low-lying areas remain at risk due to river overflows and heavy runoff.