Approximately 5,000 rural residents are expected to benefit from improved water supplies under the Government of Jamaica and Inter American Development Bank-funded Rural Water Supply Project.

This is contained in the 2004/05 Estimates of Expenditure now before the House of Representatives.

A sum of $126 million has been allocated for the project this fiscal year and the money will facilitate the completion of final designs for the Mile Gully scheme in St. Mary and the Gravel Hill project in Clarendon; the tendering and award of contracts and the commencement of civil works; and the development of two community water organizations.

Implemented in April of 2002, the project is designed to improve the basic sanitary/health conditions by increasing the availability of potable and sanitary services in poor rural areas as defined in the Jamaica Poverty Map.
As at March 2004, supply contract for pipes and fittings for Pamphret, Botany Bay and White Horses in St. Thomas was completed; final designs for Pamphret, Botany Bay and White Horses were 40 per cent complete and preliminary designs for the Mile Gully/Gravel Hill Schemes were completed.

Community/private sector participation is being encouraged to develop and implement the water projects and as such, legal and financial analysis will be provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the projects; community groups will be trained in the operation and maintenance of the systems; and an education programme will be implemented to promote rational and efficient water use.

The project also provides for institutional strengthening of the Ministry of Water and Housing by providing consultancy services to implement the programme; training staff in community development and executing the water policy; providing equipment for project supervision and the designing a system for monitoring the performance of the community water organisations.
The project should be completed in December of 2007.