NWC honours 969 long-service workers as Holness outlines major water projects

The National Water Commission's 2026 Long Service Awards ceremony honoured 969 employees with 15 years or more at the utility, with workers who reached 30 years and beyond recognised on stage during the main programme. The event, held under the theme "Timeless Treasures: Honouring Dedication and Service", drew Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Water Minister Matthew Samuda, senior NWC officials and opposition representative Louise Nuland.

Acting President Kevin Carr told awardees their commitment had carried the commission through changes in technology, a growing customer base and shifts in how the agency serves Jamaica. Vice-President of Corporate Services Andrea Edwards Jars said the honourees were the heartbeat of the organisation, while Chairman Michael Shaw said nearly half of the workforce was being recognised and that long service helped preserve stability, productivity and institutional knowledge.

Samuda said the staff's contribution to nation building was not lost on the government and pointed to recent salary restructuring, retroactive payments and ongoing work on pension matters. He said more than $15 billion would be invested in the water network this financial year through the NWC and other state agencies, but argued Jamaica still needed far heavier spending to modernise ageing pipes and sewage systems and to meet Vision 2030 goals. He also said the commission planned family-oriented events by parish to thank relatives who supported workers through overtime, holiday duty and difficult field conditions.

Holness said the 1980-founded NWC, now 46 years old, has about 2,600 employees and that more than half have served for over 15 years. He praised staff for their work during the recovery from Hurricane Melissa and said the utility was operating more efficiently than at any time in decades, with debt under control and stronger capital spending. The prime minister highlighted the north-western water supply project, saying its first phase was being implemented at about US$170 million and the wider scheme was expected to come close to US$500 million. He also pointed to a Rio Cobre public-private partnership to serve Kingston, Spanish Town and Portmore, major sewage upgrades for downtown Kingston, and planned works at Hermitage. Holness added that daily water-quality checks were being monitored closely and said cruise ships buy water in Jamaica because of confidence in its quality. He said the workers being honoured had "helped to build Jamaica" and described the NWC as a critical national asset.