NWC board denies Opposition claim NWC was not consulted before PM’s debt write-off announcement

The Board of the National Water Commission (NWC) says the claim by Opposition Spokesperson on Water, Ian Hayles, that the NWC was blindsided by Prime Minister Andrew Holness' announcement that it is to write off the debts of some pensioners is false.

"The Board of Commissioners was consulted before the announcement and given the opportunity to provide feedback to strengthen the policy direction," the NWC's board said in a release to the media on Tuesday afternoon.

Hayles, who was speaking at press conference on Tuesday morning, accused the Government of playing “political football” with the agency. 

However, the NWC board said Holness' announcement is an extension of the NWC's receivables management plan already in operation in Portmore.

"The Board fully supports the plans announced by the Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Growth & Job Creation to ease the burden of the cost of living for Jamaicans while providing greater access to water," the NWC board said.

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Addressing the Jamaica Labour Party's 81st annual conference on Sunday, party leader Holness also stated that persons who have been disconnected for longer than six months, but have payment arrangements will get a 50 per cent or more discount on the debt based on needs assessment. He said they will get up to one year to pay. 

This amnesty will last three months and will commence on January 2, 2025.