NWC advises of traffic changes as western water resilience project commences

Motorists in Jamaica should prepare for significant traffic disruptions along the Elegant Corridor in Rose Hall, St. James, as Phase One of the Western Water Resilience Improvement Project commences. The National Water Commission (NWC) has advised drivers to expect changes as construction crews begin work on the multi-phase initiative.

Currently, single-lane closures are in effect, but officials indicate that a transition to two-lane closures is anticipated in the coming weeks. Wayne Robertson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, acknowledged the disruptions but urged patience, promising consistent communication regarding affected areas and traffic flow adjustments. "Jamaicans, just be patient with this project. There will be some disruptions but we will ensure that we communicate consistently and provide the necessary information in terms of the areas that will be affected. in terms of traffic flow. So make the necessary adjustments. But please bear with us as we seek to make lives better for all of you,” Robertson stated.

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Jamaicans, just be patient with this project. There will be some disruptions but we will ensure that we communicate consistently and provide the necessary information in terms of the areas that will be affected. in terms of traffic flow. So make the necessary adjustments. But please bear with us as we seek to make lives better for all of you.

VINCI Construction is managing the on-ground execution, with Project Manager Pierre-Emmanuel Faivre emphasizing the practicality of the current traffic arrangements. Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are assisting daily to maintain traffic flow. Residents and businesses along the corridor can expect the completion of works between Greenwood and Montego Bay within 24 months, by the summer of 2028. The second leg of the project is slated for completion in October 2028.

Faivre explained that a new pipeline is being installed, a process that will take months. Crucially, there will be no interruption to the existing water supply until the new main is fully tested, sterilized, and ready for connection. NWC Acting President Kevin Kerr provided an update on the project's broader scope, which spans four phases. Phase One alone represents an investment exceeding €150 million, with the total cost for all four phases projected to surpass US$450 million. This initial phase involves replacing the transmission line from the Martha Brae Water Treatment Plant in Falmouth to the terminal reservoir.

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We are installing a new pipeline that will take months. So there will be no disruption to the existing water supply until the new main is ready to be fully tested, sterilised, and ready to be connected to the existing networks.