
A transformational multimillion-dollar water project will soon provide 60,000 gallons of water daily to around 2,000 residents in Manchester's Harmons Valley, Jamaica.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, JAMALCO, the Manchester Parish Development Committee (PDC), and other key stakeholders.
The project focuses on providing energy-efficient water solutions to eight communities affected by bauxite mining, ensuring residents have more reliable and consistent access to this essential resource.
Jamalco is a joint venture between Century Aluminum and Clarendon Alumina Production Limited that focuses on bauxite mining and alumina production. The refinery’s capacity was upgraded to 1 million mtpy in 1999 and then to 1.25 million mtpy in 2003. A further upgrade in March 2007 lifted the refinery's production capacity to 1.42 million mtpy.In May 2023, Century Aluminum Company acquired General Alumina Jamaica Limited, which owns 55 per cent of the joint venture, and Clarendon Alumina Production Limited retains its 45 per cent ownership of the joint venture.
Energy-efficient water solutions will be delivered to residents across eight communities affected by bauxite mining, ensuring more reliable access to this essential resource. The targeted communities include John Robinson, New Road, Disgate, Harmons Road, Green Pond, Middle Harmons, and Morris Town.
State Minister Franklin Witter outlined the details of the Harmons Valley Water Project during a recent community symposium held at Tropics View Hotel in Mandeville.
He stated that the project, which includes installing a solar-powered water pump, building a pump house, and supporting utility infrastructure, is valued at approximately $327.4 million and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
JAMALCO has successfully developed a well to support the initiative. The State Minister called for active collaboration and support from residents and key stakeholder entities, including Rural Water Supply Limited and the National Water Commission (NWC).
Image credit: Jamaica Star
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