NWC Amnesty Program Collects Nearly $800 Million for Jamaican Utility

Jamaica's National Water Commission (NWC) successfully collected $769.0 million in revenue through a customer amnesty and relief program initiated in January 2025. The initiative, detailed in the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, also processed over 15,000 customer requests and addressed approximately $1.9 billion in outstanding legacy debt.

The amnesty program offered specific relief measures for pensioners and beneficiaries enrolled in the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). These measures aimed to support reconnections, reduce arrears, and ensure continued access to essential water services for vulnerable populations.

Following the general amnesty, a focused Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) amnesty was executed between September and December 2025. This yielded an additional $17.5 million in collections and resolved $18.2 million in arrears. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), which published the survey, noted that these efforts reflect a balanced strategy for revenue recovery, social protection, and financial sustainability.

The NWC's efforts highlight a commitment to improving its financial standing while maintaining social responsibility. By offering amnesty and targeted relief, the commission aimed to bring customers into compliance and reduce the burden of historical debt, thereby strengthening its operational capacity and service delivery.