Jamaicans are being warned to prepare for tighter water restrictions as drought conditions deepen across the island and storage levels at major Corporate Area facilities remain under pressure.
Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda said additional restrictions could begin from Monday if rainfall forecasts do not improve. Some communities may eventually face day-on, day-off supply as the National Water Commission manages reduced availability.
As of Wednesday morning, the Mona Reservoir stood at 33.5 per cent of capacity while the Hermitage Dam was at 48.3 per cent. The Jamaica Observer also reported that 107 of the National Water Commission’s 405 reserve systems had entered drought territory.
Government emergency measures include procurement of 5,000 black water tanks. Planned distribution includes early-childhood institutions, farmers, households with persons with disabilities and communities identified through assessments by water agencies.
Authorities are also expanding wayside storage. Thirty tanks have already been installed through a partnership with UNICEF, with a wider programme targeting 100 strategic locations, mainly in eastern Jamaica.
Samuda has urged residents to conserve water and monitor household plumbing for leaks. With forecasts remaining difficult in several drought-affected parishes, the next round of restrictions will be closely watched as Jamaica moves deeper into October.
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