Meeting the needs of present and future generations

THE CELEBRATION of World Water Day reminds us of the importance of water security and the provision of clean, safe water for the existence of our people, life and nature. This year’s theme, ‘Nature for Water’, invites us to consider nature-based solutions to alleviate some of the challenges we face in the availability of water.

Celebrated as the ‘Land of Wood and Water’, Jamaica stands at a very pivotal point in its existence, where decisive action must be taken towards protecting our natural ecosystem. My administration is committed to the preservation of nature, the protection of the environment, and the provision of safe water supply for all the citizens. Therefore, the Government continues to create and implement policies that support the cohesive development of our grey and green infrastructure. Consequently, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and its water-related agencies have been establishing the necessary framework and employing best practices that reaffirm the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment while promoting sustainable development and growth.

In this regard, the Water Resources Authority continues to manage and allocate our water resources in a sustainable manner to ensure that this precious resource will continue to meet the needs of present and future generations. The National Water Commission, in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply Limited, recently constructed an artificial groundwater recharge system in Innswood, St Catherine, to augment and sustain the water resource and water production capacity of the aquifer in the Rio Cobre Basin. The commission is also supporting various components of reafforestation and watershed protection efforts now under way in the Hope River and Yallahs River watersheds. Similarly, too, the Rural Water Supply Limited continues to implement water projects in rural communities along with rainwater harvesting systems in schools and communities.

As Jamaica joins the world in commemorating World Water Day, the Government will continue to promote activities that will protect our natural and built environment, thereby securing a bright future for all. We must undertake reforestation activities, protect and restore our degraded wetlands and utilise technology in farming communities so as to alleviate the extraction of water. We must spare no effort to ensure that Jamaica maintains its enviable record of the provision of clean water for public consumption.

As we celebrate World Water Day, let us together pledge to protect and restore our water resources so that we can secure sustainable and reliable water supply for all.

THE MOST HON ANDREW HOLNESS, ON, MP

Prime Minister