Holness Government Launches Major Water Project Linking St. Elizabeth and Manchester
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Aug 21, 2025
Kingston, Jamaica — The Andrew Holness-led administration has broken ground on a massive water supply project that will connect St. Elizabeth to Manchester, in what officials are calling one of the largest infrastructure investments in the island’s water sector in recent years.
The new pipeline system is designed to carry millions of gallons of potable water daily from St. Elizabeth into key areas of Manchester that have struggled for decades with chronic shortages. Communities across southern Manchester — including Mandeville and its surrounding districts — are expected to see improved and more reliable supply once the project is completed.
Tackling Water Scarcity
For years, Manchester has been one of the parishes hardest hit by droughts and water lock-offs, with residents depending heavily on trucked water at high costs. Prime Minister Holness said the project represents a decisive step toward solving this long-standing challenge.
“Water is life, and for too long many Jamaicans, especially in central Jamaica, have suffered without it. This project will not only bring relief to households but will also power agriculture, business, and development in the region,” Holness declared at the launch ceremony.
Infrastructure and Investment
The project involves the laying of new pipelines, expansion of pumping stations, and construction of reservoirs to ensure consistent flow. The National Water Commission (NWC) has indicated that the initiative is being carried out in phases, with financing secured through a combination of government resources and international partnerships.
While details of the final cost are yet to be disclosed, government insiders estimate the figure to be in the billions of Jamaican dollars, given the scale of the work.
Boost for Agriculture and Growth
Farmers in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica’s breadbasket parish, are also expected to benefit from improved irrigation, ensuring that food production can continue even during dry spells. Meanwhile, the flow into Manchester is expected to strengthen housing development and industrial activities in Mandeville and beyond.
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, described the project as “a game-changer for both domestic consumption and national development,” noting that reliable water supply is critical to schools, hospitals, and tourism expansion.
Timeline and Completion
Construction has already begun on several sections of the pipeline. The government projects that the first phase will be completed within the next 18 to 24 months, with phased commissioning to follow.
Residents, though hopeful, remain cautiously optimistic. Some have welcomed the move but called on the NWC to ensure that promises translate into sustainable delivery.