UNICEF Hands Over 30 Water Tanks to Strengthen Water Security and Resilience in Western Jamaica

ST ANN, July 31, 2026: UNICEF handed over 30 water storage tanks valued at approximately J$10.5 million to Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL), reinforcing efforts to improve water security and strengthen community resilience in western Jamaica. 

Procured with funding from the European Union (EU) as part of ongoing support to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services for vulnerable communities, the tanks reflect the shared commitment of UNICEF, the European Union and the Government of Jamaica to improving water security and building resilience in communities affected by emergencies and recurring drought conditions.

The tanks, each with a capacity of 2,850 gallons, will be integrated into rural water supply systems and community water storage facilities across western parishes, including the Maybole (St Elizabeth), Lapland (St James) and Mother Fleure (Manchester) water facilities, as well as additional community water storage centres in Manchester and Hanover. 

Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNICEF Representative, Mohammad Mohiuddin highlighted the importance of investing in resilient water systems that protect children and families during times of crisis. “This is an investment in dignity and resilience for families and children who continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa. By strengthening water storage and distribution systems across western Jamaica, these tanks will help ensure that affected communities have more reliable access to safe water when they need it most.”

The handover forms part of UNICEF's broader support to Jamaica's WASH response, recovery and resilience-building efforts. As the United Nations WASH Cluster Lead, UNICEF coordinated with government agencies and approximately 30 local and international organizations following the disaster to support affected communities. Through a partnership with Water Mission International, approximately four million litres of safe water were treated and distributed to households in need across western Jamaica. 

UNICEF has also supported national preparedness and emergency response capacity through the provision of emergency water treatment equipment to key partners, including RWSL, the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), alongside specialized training to strengthen operational readiness. Additional support has included funding for generators to help maintain water production during power disruptions and investments in critical water infrastructure rehabilitation. 

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Wayne Robertson, welcomed the partnership and underscored the importance of collaborative action to strengthen water security. “These tanks embody hope, resilience, and a firm commitment to ensuring safe and reliable water for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. They will also strengthen Jamaica’s long-term resilience against drought and climate-related emergencies.”

The partnership between UNICEF and RWSL also includes support for the rehabilitation of three rural water supply systems and the construction of tank bases to expand communal water access in vulnerable communities. These interventions complement ongoing efforts to establish community water points and strengthen essential water infrastructure across western Jamaica. 

RWSL Chairman, Omar Sweeney expressed appreciation for the support received.

UNICEF emphasized that access to safe and reliable water remains essential for protecting public health, supporting children's well-being and enabling communities to withstand future shocks.

"The donation reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every child, every family and every community can depend on safe and reliable water, not only during emergencies, but every day," said Mr Mohiuddin.