IDB supports Jamaica with US$153 million for water supply and energy efficiency

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved today a total of US$153 million for Jamaica, including US$133 million to improve water supply in the Kingston metropolitan area and US$20 million for energy efficiency and conservation.

“The IDB is a strong partner of Jamaica, working in close cooperation with the country’s priorities,” said IDB Regional Caribbean Group Department Manager, Gerard Johnson. “Previously, the Bank approved resources to support, among other initiatives, fiscal consolidation, reforms in education, protection of human capital and competitiveness.”

The two loans approved today are as follows:

Kingston water supply program

This US$133 million program will improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the potable water services provided by the Kingston Metropolitan Area and increase access to water in selected urban centers of Jamaica. The program will optimize water infrastructure performance, reduce non-revenue water levels, and strengthen the National Water Commission, which is in charge of the initiative.

The rehabilitation of the potable water supply for the Kingston area will include financing the completion of works in selected water treatment and production facilities, reduction of commercial and physical losses, customer water meters, leak detection equipment and repair.

Energy efficiency and conservation

This US$20 million program will help Jamaica enhance its energy efficiency and conservation potential. The program will strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Energy and Mining to design and implement investment measuresin energy efficiency and energy conservation in the public sector.

These measures will increase awareness and knowledge among key public and private stakeholders, and will repay the investment by reducing energy fiscal expenses. This energy program is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The IDB in Jamaica

The Inter American Development Bank provides continued significant financial and technical support to Jamaica in stabilizing the economy and reviving economic growth. For 2011 the IDB expects to lend a total of US$328 million. Most of this lending will finance important investments in expanding and modernizing key physical infrastructure as well as improving the institutional efficiency of select public sector entities. This support will enhance the performance and efficiency of the public service by reducing operating costs and improving revenue collection. 

The Bank has already approved US$110 million in policy based loans to support the implementation of major policy reforms in social protection services to the general population and to improve financial management in state agencies.