Almost 2,000 NWC customers apply for debt forgiveness

Almost 2,000 Jamaicans have applied for amnesty from the National Water Commission (NWC) since it was effected six days ago, Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager at the NWC, Delano Williams has shared. 

Williams stated that interest in the government's debt forgiveness initiative for water bills is evident across the island, with an increasing number of customers inquiring about how they can benefit. 

“We have seen increasing numbers at our larger stores, our Marescaux Road location, St Catherine locations both in Spanish Town and Portmore, Clarendon offices,” he said.

Last November, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness announced that the NWC would write off the debts of Jamaican pensioners with payments outstanding for two years or more.

The amnesty, which began on January 2, is to last for three months. 

Persons assessed to be in need based on the PATH beneficiary identification standards should also benefit.

Additionally, persons who have been disconnected for longer than six months who go in and make payment arrangements will get a 50 per cent or more discount on the debt based on a needs assessment.

Holness said they would get up to one year to pay.

“We've also had a significant number of persons who are being considered for different degrees of write-offs between 25 and 50 per cent, simply based on the age of their balances, but they may not have qualified under the two original programmes outlined under first communication,” Williams stated. 

Last year, Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Water, Matthew Samuda stated that more than 30,000 Jamaicans are expected to benefit from the amnesty. 

He noted that NWC accounts delinquent for more than six months amount to $58 billion, debts of more than two years tally $45 billion, and those in excess of five years total $50 billion. 

“The potential write down of 50 per cent between the six month and two year gap is $6.5 billion, so persons have the ability to get $6.5 billion of benefit from the government,” he said.

Williams shared that a lot of customers have been using the NWC's electronic channels to make inquiries. Noting that wait times at the office may be longer, he encouraged customers to take advantage of the online services. However, they may also visit the office, complete a form with their account number and contact details and the team will review the account and reach out to them within five working days.

-Sashana Small 

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