Holness Says NWC No Longer Threatens Government Finances

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness says the National Water Commission has reached a stronger financial position and is no longer a danger to the Government's books. Addressing the NWC Employees' Long-Service Awards Ceremony at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on Thursday (July 2), he credited the staff for helping to turn around the organisation.

Holness said the situation was far different about a decade ago, when the commission was seen as a liability whose debt could at any point have fallen to the Central Government. He said that is no longer so, adding that NWC's operations have improved sharply in recent years.

The Prime Minister said he expects major gains in water delivery and dependability over the next five years. He pointed to work affecting the northwestern section of the island, projects in central Jamaica especially between Manchester and St. Elizabeth, a major scheme there that he said is close to completion, and large undertakings in Kingston and St. Andrew to improve sewerage and potable water.

Speaking on the utility's financial performance, Holness said his review showed NWC is now operating with a level of efficiency reached only two or three times in its history. He said the commission came close to breaking even for the first time in decades and posted a small profit in three years, although a review of compensation affected the final out-turn in the accounts. He added that his administration has taken a business-minded approach to the NWC to optimise its operations for the benefit of employees.

He also said the commission's debt is being handled well and remains under control, unlike earlier periods when the balance sheet carried burdens the Central Government could have had to support. With the finances improving, Holness said the next five years should bring further changes, including upgrade works at the Hermitage Dam in St. Andrew and the building of a new dam at that facility.

On the condition of the infrastructure, he said NWC is now able to undertake major capital works to make the system more reliable and extend water service to communities that still do not have it. In his view, the company is now in a position to carry out the scale of work needed to improve delivery across those areas.

The ceremony was staged under the theme, "Timeless Treasures: Honouring Dedication and Service", and 969 employees were recognised for giving more than 10 years of service. Holness told the awardees that they have played an important part in the progress made at the commission.

He said the event reflected the board's and management's respect for workers, their commitment to them, and the importance of their role in the national project, while reinforcing partnership among employees, management and the Government's development policies and strategies. Holness added that the awardees are serving at what may be the best period in NWC's history and said the commission remains an important national asset for Jamaica.