Improved water supply for Port Royal amid commissioning of new $530 million pipeline system

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has declared that Port Royal in East Kingston will become Jamaica's next economic hub, following a significant investment of more than $530 million by the National Water Commission (NWC) to upgrade the transmission main between the Norman Manley International Airport roundabout and the agency's pumping station in the area.

As part of the project, aged cast iron transmission mains were replaced with 12-inch high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines.

The material in the HDPE pipeline is more resilient to the high saltwater levels common to the area, and it is expected to last between 40 and 50 years.

Speaking at Tuesday's commissioning ceremony, Holness highlighted that the town's heritage assets remain largely untapped, and with proper development, they could provide revenue to fuel further growth in both the town and Jamaica as a whole.

He emphasised the "critical" investment in the Port Royal Cruise Port, along with other developments, including the pier and customs facility, which have already been completed in the historic town.

In addition, new restaurants and museums will soon open to enhance the experience for tourists, alongside upgrades to sidewalks and other key infrastructure throughout the town.

“Port Royal is going to become a new economic hub for Kingston. It will add to our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and create revenues that will more than repay the over $2 billion worth of investment we have made when we add up everything together,” he said.

Along with the improved water supply from this investment, Holness stated that an upgraded sewage plant has been built, and that pipes will soon be laid to connect homes and facilities.

He also noted that the residents of the town will benefit from better road infrastructure under the $45 billion Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme, which commenced a week ago in the constituency.

“All of this investment that is being done here is to create Port Royal as a new destination, not just for tourists to visit, but to enhance what is already the case – Port Royal is the destination for people in Kingston and St Andrew... it is an entertainment and festival destination," Holness said.

- Sashana Small

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.