Leaks appear to be such a waste of water across Jamaica. What is the cause of all this and what is the NWC doing about it?
Leaks are mainly caused by deterioration of pipes due to age, pressure from heavy traffic, earth movements, direct damage from persons hitting the pipes, and sudden fluctuations in the pressure within the pipes. Many of the pipe networks inherited by the NWC are very old and therefore leak easily. The NWC continues to effect emergency repairs while, whenever funding allows, some of these pipes are replaced. Dozens of leaks are repaired daily. The Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA) Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme represents one major project under which pipes are being replaced. In keeping with the policy objectives, 90%-95% of all reported leaks are repaired within 5 days of being reported. We aim to improve this to 100%.
