All of Jamaica
Drought news
106 articles
Newest first; rationing and bans first on the same day. Headlines are the publisher’s own; summaries are written by Claude. Latest article added 23 Oct 2026.
Water hike faces fire - Businesses, tourism sector and Opposition challenge proposed 51% NWC rate increasee
Businesses, the tourism sector and the Opposition are urging Jamaica's OUR to reject or condition NWC's proposed 51% water tariff hike, citing drought-driven costs like trucked water and production cuts.
Kremi ice cream’s profit surges 16-fold amid hot El Niño weather, efficiency gains
Caribbean Cream Ltd, maker of Kremi ice cream, said a $50-million well drilled at its Kingston factory helped it navigate drought-related water restrictions, lowering water costs and boosting quarterly profit 16-fold.
NEWS RELEASE-NWC WELCOMES RECENT RAINFALL- STORAGE LEVELS REMAIN LOW
NWC reports Mona Reservoir at 36.3% and Hermitage Dam at 44.9% as of October 11, 2026, well below prior years despite recent rainfall. Regulated water supply schedules remain in effect for Kingston and St. Andrew customers.
Hope for drought-stricken farms
FarmLinkr CEO Shelly Heaven says a locally developed soil amendment, Live Soil, can help Jamaican farmers grow crops with up to 60% less water, addressing drought-related crop losses nationwide.
MPs raise doubts over trucked water
NWC officials told Parliament's Public Accounts Committee that Mona Reservoir has dropped to about 33% capacity and Hermitage Dam (serving Constant Spring) to 40%, prompting plans to shift from daily to alternating water supply schedules in Corporate Area communities by week's end.
MPs raise doubts over trucked water
MPs questioned NWC officials about unregulated water trucks selling non-potable water during the drought. NWC said it will shift some Corporate Area communities from daily to alternating water supply schedules, as Mona Reservoir is at 33% and Hermitage Dam at 40% capacity.
Gov’t must invest in long-term water solutions – PSOJ
The PSOJ's executive director says government must invest in long-term water solutions amid Jamaica's worsening drought, following a $500 million boost to the drought response and plans to distribute 5,000 water tanks.
PSOJ proposes implementation of national water security plan to prevent future droughts from becoming threat to economy
The PSOJ has proposed a national water security plan, including groundwater protection and desalination, to stop future droughts from threatening Jamaica's economy, citing current impacts on households, agriculture and business.
Drought conditions affecting water supply in sections of Manchester
NWC reports drought conditions have cut production at its Moravia Treatment Plant to about 40% capacity, causing low pressure or no water in Christiana, Coleyville, Chudleigh, Sedburgh, Cobbla, Glencoe, Limit, Ticky Ticky and nearby areas as of October 7, 2026. The utility is trucking water to affected areas.
Carib Cement cuts water use 16% as sustainability agenda broadens
Caribbean Cement Company reported a 16% reduction in water withdrawals through August 2026, citing Jamaica's ongoing drought pressures and efficiency gains from its $6.7-billion Debottleneck Project.
PSOJ urges water planning overhaul as drought threatens economy
The PSOJ called for a national water-planning overhaul as drought worsens, citing Mona Reservoir and Hermitage below 50% capacity and possible tighter restrictions for Kingston and St Andrew.
PSOJ urges national reset on water security amid worsening drought
The PSOJ called for a national "reset" on water security as drought worsens, noting Mona Reservoir and Hermitage Dam are below 50% capacity and over 100 NWC systems are affected nationwide.
NaRRA Examines Major Water Infrastructure to Address Drought
NaRRA is studying major water infrastructure, including possibly expanding the century-old Hermitage Dam's catchment, to address drought-driven storage shortages in Kingston and St. Andrew, alongside faster community-level water storage tank projects.
NaRRA examining major water infrastructure to address drought
NaRRA CEO Antony Anderson said the authority is examining major water infrastructure, including a possible new dam to boost storage for Kingston and St Andrew, plus quicker community-level projects like large water-storage tanks to address drought conditions.
OUR calls for more coordinated water sector amid drought
The Office of Utilities Regulation called for stronger coordination, long-term planning and legislation in Jamaica's water sector amid ongoing drought, citing high non-revenue water losses and reduced freshwater levels nationally.
KFC Jamaica advises customers of lettuce shortage due to drought
KFC Jamaica reported a lettuce shortage on October 5 after its sole vegetable supplier faced production problems caused by the ongoing drought, which has contributed to a 15 per cent decline in agricultural output nationally.
Stricter Water Restrictions Coming for Kingston and St. Andrew
Minister Matthew Samuda warned that communities served by the Hermitage Dam (40.3% capacity) and Mona Reservoir (33.5% capacity) could face greater water restrictions within two weeks due to drought. As of September 30, drought has affected 106 water systems islandwide, mostly in Kingston and St. Andrew.
OUR urges stronger coordination, long-term planning for water sector
OUR and NWC officials discussed Jamaica's drought response at an October webinar, citing 107 NWC systems affected, Hermitage Dam at 40% and Mona Reservoir at 34% capacity, with trucking, well recommissioning and infrastructure projects like Rio Cobre and Greater Mandeville underway.
Mixed views on desalination to solve water woes
Experts debate desalination as a drought mitigation strategy after Water Minister Matthew Samuda announced feasibility studies for desalination projects in St. Thomas and Clarendon. One expert favours rainwater harvesting instead.
Drought drains 107 water systems
NWC says 107 water systems are impacted by drought as of October 1, with Hermitage Dam at 40.2% and Mona Reservoir at 33.7% capacity; Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas and northeast parishes are of major concern amid islandwide prohibition orders and tighter supply schedules.
Water Minister Outlines Several Initiatives to Tackle Persistent Drought in Sections of the Island
Jamaica's Water Minister announced drought relief measures including 30 wayside tanks (with 100 more planned for eastern Jamaica), 12 new water truck loading bays for Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas, and a Portmore water deal freeing up supply for southern St. Andrew. Cabinet also approved $550 million for drought mitigation across government agencies.
Gov't Ensuring Adequate Food Supply for Christmas
The Agriculture Ministry announced drought mitigation funding (an additional $60 million plus $50 million, on top of $149 million from June) for water trucking, irrigation and farm inputs to boost food production ahead of Christmas. New irrigation projects in Parnassus and Ebony Park in Clarendon, and Essex Valley in St. Elizabeth, are being expanded.
Jamaica’s Disaster Recovery Periods Now Overlapping, RADA tells Regional Forum
RADA reports delivering over 1,900 water truckloads to eight drought-affected Jamaican parishes and disbursing about J$60 million in farmer grants, plus 3,600 water tanks and nearly 1,400 drip kits distributed islandwide amid overlapping disaster recovery periods.
Government Expands Measures to Ease Impact of Drought on Jamaicans
Jamaica's government announced expanded drought relief measures on 2026-09-30, including 30 new wayside tanks, 12 water-truck loading bays in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and St Thomas, and a private deal supplying 4 million gallons daily to Portmore.
Below Normal Rainfall Expected as El Niño Intensifies
Jamaica's Met Service warns that below-normal rainfall will likely continue through October 2026 as a strong El Niño intensifies, threatening water reserves, agriculture and food security heading into the dry season.
Jamaica targets strategic agricultural investments to boost efficiency and water supply
PM Andrew Holness announced plans for the Pedro Plains Irrigation Scheme and three Agro Parks to expand irrigated farmland amid drought conditions, aiming to irrigate over 50% of Jamaica's arable land.
St Catherine school farms weather drought
Prolonged drought in St Catherine has delayed planting and reduced crop and poultry yields at Dinthill Technical High School and Charlemont High School, affecting farms, SBAs and even the football field, though feeding programmes continue.
Groundwater reserves remain stable
Met Service Principal Director Evan Thompson said drought conditions have spread to more than half of Jamaica's 14 parishes, though groundwater reserves remain stable. He warned some parishes could see little to no rainfall in a month if conditions persist.
Corporate area water storage levels continue to decline
Mona Reservoir and Hermitage Dam in St. Andrew, which supply the Corporate Area, remain below 50 percent capacity as of September 29, 2026, with Mona at 33 percent and Hermitage at 40 percent amid worsening drought.
Farmers Urged to Sign Up for GK Weather Protection
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged farmers to sign up for the free GK Weather Protect insurance programme, noting that farmers insured against drought may now be eligible for benefits amid current drought conditions.
Drought, bush fires pose fresh challenge for local coffee farmers
Prolonged drought and bush fires are damaging Jamaica's coffee farms, with fires destroying up to 80% of some farms and dry conditions causing cherries to stay small, according to the Jamaica Coffee Growers Association. Production could fall below 150,000 boxes this year amid calls for government water and irrigation support.
Green announces additional $50 million for drought mitigation programme
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announced an additional $50 million for drought-intervention efforts, funding water storage tanks and drip irrigation. He highlighted irrigation progress in Parnassus (Clarendon), Essex Valley (St Elizabeth), and Amity Hall/Bridge Pen (St Catherine) to boost farmer water access and production.
Coconut output up 73% since 2021, but drought stalls recovery
Drought has cut water supply to Michael Black Farms in Nutts River, St Thomas, forcing its oil-processing factory to run two to three days a week instead of five and halting new coconut seedling planting, despite a 73% islandwide production rise since 2021.
Kenneth Russell | When the rains return, the drought will not be over
An opposition spokesperson argues the current drought should be treated as a national emergency requiring long-term rural resilience investment in water, agriculture and infrastructure, not just temporary water trucking.
Gov’t adds $50 million to drought response as farm production falls 15%
The Jamaican government is adding $50 million to its drought response for water storage and drip irrigation, as agricultural production has fallen 15% amid dry conditions. RADA has trucked about 1,900 water loads to eight priority parishes, while NIC has delivered 2.82 million gallons to farmers in St Elizabeth, Trelawny, St Ann and Manchester.
Growth & Jobs | Keeping your small business afloat amid heat and drought
Prolonged heat and drought are raising produce prices and causing rapid spoilage for a vendor at Morant Bay market in St. Thomas, forcing her to diversify income sources since late July.
‘Burnt out’: St Mary farmers bemoan wipeout of crops due to bush fires
St Mary farmers report weeks of bush fires, worsened by over 13 weeks of drought, have destroyed crops, irrigation equipment and farm infrastructure in communities including Mount Regale, Rock River and Clarke Castle. Low river levels hampered firefighting efforts, and farmers are calling for government relief.
Drought pushes NIC to pump more water
The National Irrigation Commission says it is pumping more water than usual to farmers in St Elizabeth and other parishes as drought strains surface sources and wells, while subsidising trucked water and advancing new irrigation projects.
Gov’t secures $5b CDB loan for rural water supply project
Jamaica signed a US$36-million CDB loan to fund the Jamaica Rural Water Supply Programme, expanding potable water access for over 40,000 residents in 10 communities across five parishes, citing drought-related strain on water resources.
Water restrictions tighten for NWC customers as Mona Reservoir falls to 35.9%
NWC announced tighter water restrictions effective September 17, 2026, for customers on the Mona Water Supply System, with supply limited to 6:00 am–4:00 pm daily as the Mona Reservoir fell to 35.9% capacity amid drought.
Increasing capacity to offset El Niño conditions
An opinion piece notes low water levels at Mona Reservoir and Hermitage Dam prompted water restrictions in the Corporate Area, and argues the government must build more dam capacity amid El Niño-driven drier conditions.
NWC tightens water supply for some customers as Mona Reservoir falls to 35.9%
NWC announced reduced water supply hours (6am-4pm) starting September 17 for Mona system customers in Corporate Area communities as Mona Reservoir fell to 35.9% capacity due to drought conditions.
JP Farms says irrigation holding off drought threat
JP Farms in St Mary says irrigation from wells is sustaining banana, plantain and pineapple production despite Jamaica's severe drought, with banana output back to full capacity and plantain expected fully restored by October.
As drought bites, Mandeville mayor urges Gov’t to tap into Porus wells
Mandeville's mayor is urging the Jamaican Government to tap unused wells at Porus to ease Manchester's drought-driven water crisis, while councillors called for more water trucking and raised concerns over unfair distribution in communities like Walderston.
Renovate and build more reservoirs
A Gleaner letter writer notes critically low levels at the Mona Reservoir (48.4%) and Hermitage Dam (31.4%), prompting water restrictions in the Corporate Area, and urges renovating and building more reservoirs amid forecasts of below-normal rainfall.
‘Declare drought a national emergency’
Opposition spokesperson Dr Kenneth Russell urged the Government on September 11, 2026 to declare the drought a national emergency, citing crop and livestock losses, inadequate water tanks and trucks, and calling for expanded relief and PATH support for rural communities.
Jamaica’s drought crisis
A letter writer argues Jamaica's worsening drought is now a national crisis, citing NWC prohibition orders in seven parishes, low Hermitage Dam levels, and bushfires destroying crops in St Elizabeth, while calling for long-term water infrastructure investment.
Samuda orders review of NWC work sites amid Kingston traffic frustration
Minister Matthew Samuda has ordered NWC to review work sites across Kingston and St Andrew amid traffic frustration, as the utility brings new wells into the network to address severe drought conditions. Major works on the Old Hope Road corridor will shift mainly to night-time and Sunday work to reduce weekday disruption.
St James MC to activate funding for water trucking
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon says the St James Municipal Corporation will soon activate emergency funding to truck water to drought-hit communities across the parish.
Market Bag: Sweet pepper hits $600, lettuce $1k as drought sends prices higher
Jamaican market vendors report drought-driven shortages pushing up prices for produce like Irish potatoes, pumpkins, lettuce and sweet peppers, with carrots and peppers now being imported to meet demand.
Water at last - Essex Valley irrigation nears finish
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says the Essex Valley irrigation system is 98% complete, with farmers expected to begin receiving water by the end of September 2026, reducing dependence on rainfall in the farming belt.
Ready for the drought
St Thomas schools, including Yallahs Primary, Port Morant Primary and Junior High, and St Thomas Technical High, say they have water storage tanks and conservation plans ahead of the September 2026 school reopening amid drought-driven water prohibition orders. The government has allocated $150 million for NWC to truck water to schools and other critical infrastructure.
Government allocates $500 million for drought relief ahead of school reopening
Jamaica's Cabinet approved $500 million in additional drought relief funding on September 1, including $150 million for water trucks to schools, hospitals and police stations ahead of school reopening.
RADA issues urgent bush-fire warning to farmers as drought conditions worsen
RADA issued a nationwide warning urging farmers to stop slash-and-burn land clearing and take bush-fire precautions as hot, dry, windy drought conditions worsen across Jamaica's agricultural sector.
WATER CRUNCH - Drought drives up costs for car washes, laundries
Drought and NWC prohibition orders in Kingston and St Andrew have raised operating costs for car washes and laundromats, forcing businesses to truck in water and pass costs to customers since the August 17 restrictions began.
$500m more for drought fight
Jamaica's Cabinet approved an extra $500 million on September 1, 2026 to fund NWC water trucking to schools, health centres and police stations, plus support through MPs and municipalities amid ongoing drought.
Schools urged to brace for dry spell
A Ministry of Education official urged school principals island-wide to boost water conservation and rainwater harvesting ahead of the 2026-27 school year, citing a continuing El Niño-linked dry spell and worsening forecasts.
Churches call on Jamaicans to pray and take action amid ongoing drought conditions
The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches issued a statement on August 29, 2026 urging Jamaicans to pray for rain, conserve water, avoid burning vegetation, and support vulnerable communities and farmers affected by the ongoing national drought.
Drained by drought - Jamaicans urged to conserve as water woes worsen
Jamaica's water minister urged conservation as severe drought worsens, with no significant rainfall forecast for weeks. NWC imposed a water-wasting prohibition order in St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and St Ann on August 17, while government ramps up trucking and infrastructure relief.
‘Gov’t neglect has left Jamaica unprepared for this drought’ — PNP
The PNP accused the Holness administration of neglect and poor preparation for the drought, citing the Hermitage Dam at 31.4% capacity, prohibition orders in seven parishes, and high water losses, calling for tanks, trucking funds and transparency.
Costly drought
PSOJ committee chair Nigel Davy warns Jamaica's prolonged El Niño-driven drought, worsened by Hurricane Melissa damage, is becoming an economic risk and urges businesses to conserve water and calls for long-term national water infrastructure reform.
NWC: Water rationing for St Ann, St Mary and Portland due to drought
NWC implemented regulated water supply schedules for customers in St Ann, St Mary and Portland starting August 26 due to drought-related declines in surface water sources, with some systems producing 10-50% of normal output or completely out of operation.
Drought puts fresh strain on local agri sector
PIOJ reports agriculture contracted 17% in April-June 2026 as drought compounds Hurricane Melissa damage, cutting crop yields nationwide. Government has trucked 11 million gallons to farmers and is funding irrigation projects like Essex Valley and catchment ponds.
Drought dries up backyard farms
Drought has scorched backyard gardens in Guys Hill, St Catherine, destroying crops like yam, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and sorrel and forcing families to spend thousands extra weekly to buy food they would normally grow themselves.
Editorial | Conversation on the drought
A Gleaner editorial argues Jamaica should have prepared for drought as it does hurricanes, citing Professor Michael Taylor's call for earlier national conversation on water scarcity amid NWC restrictions and forecasts of worsening conditions into 2027.
$91.6m Bunkers Hill water project commissioned amid drought
A $91.6 million water supply project was commissioned in Bunkers Hill, Clarendon, benefiting about 1,000 residents across four communities amid ongoing drought. The ministry also reminded the public that water prohibition orders remain in effect for seven parishes due to drought conditions.
Hermitage Dam at 31.4%; NWC tightens water supply to sections of Kingston and St Andrew
NWC is tightening the water supply schedule from August 24 for numerous communities across Kingston and St Andrew due to severe drought conditions and declining Hermitage Dam levels, now at 31.4% capacity. A prohibition on non-essential water use remains in effect, and trucked water is available on request.
Drought, heat lift bottled water sales
Drought-driven water restrictions, including prohibition orders across seven parishes and lock-offs in Kingston and Spanish Town, are fueling a surge in bottled-water sales as Jamaicans seek alternative drinking water amid hotter-than-normal conditions.
Water prohibitions coming for more parishes
Water prohibition orders have been in effect since August 17 for Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, St Mary, Portland, St Ann and St Catherine; Clarendon and Manchester are expected to be added by month's end amid severe drought.
Runaway Bay residents also endure severe water crisis
A letter writer describes severe water shortages in Runaway Bay, St Ann, including a seven-week outage, and says nearby Belair and Mount Edgecombe get piped water only once every one to two weeks while hotels are allegedly prioritized.
Elizabeth Morgan | Kingston and St Andrew’s water woes: an impending crisis
A water prohibition order took effect for Kingston and St Andrew on August 17 as Hermitage and Mona dam levels fall amid drought and a super El Niño, with the columnist warning of a possible return to 2009-level shortages.
Address recurring water crisis with practical solutions
A letter writer proposes removing taxes on water storage tanks, subsidising a second tank per household, rolling out rainwater-harvesting training, and having NHT include water tanks in new housing to ease recurring drought-related water shortages.
Drought drives up operating cost for small businesses
Small businesses in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon and other parishes report 15-30% higher operating costs due to drought-driven water shortages, as the Small Business Association of Jamaica calls for emergency water subsidies and trucking support.
Market Bag: Drought, irrigation and higher food prices
Prices for lettuce, tomato, sweet pepper, sweet potato and carrot rose at Kingston's Coronation Market amid worsening drought conditions, while the NIC's CEO discussed irrigation's importance during the dry season.
Water lockdown - Drought triggers ban by NWC as conditions expected to continue into September or October
NWC is issuing water prohibition orders effective August 17 for Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, St Mary, Portland, St Ann and St Catherine due to drought, banning irrigation, car washing and pool filling, as dry conditions are forecast to continue into September-October.
Gov’t to issue water prohibition orders amid worsening drought
The Ministry of Water will issue a water prohibition notice on August 12, 2026, effective August 17, banning non-essential water use such as irrigation, car washing and pool filling in Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, St Mary, Portland, St Ann and St Catherine due to critically low rainfall.
Water restrictions trigger heightened public health oversight
Nightly water restrictions and scheduled supply cuts are in effect for vulnerable Corporate Area communities, with prohibition orders possible from August 10 if drought worsens; health inspectors continue monitoring vendors and food establishments for water-related sanitation compliance.
Why El Niño Is Also a Food Safety Story
An opinion piece argues El Niño-driven heat and drought in Jamaica, affecting farming areas like St Elizabeth, Manchester and Clarendon, threaten both food security and food safety through crop losses, livestock stress and spoilage risks.
Water restrictions begin for NWC customers served by Mona Dam as drought worsens
NWC began water restrictions Monday for customers served by Mona Dam, now at 62% capacity, affecting Liguanea, Mountain View, New Kingston, Cross Roads and Vineyard Town, with water available daily 6am-6pm. Kingston and St. Andrew need 40 million gallons daily but only half that is being produced.
Focus on farmers as $60 million more provided for drought fight
Jamaica's agriculture ministry announced an additional $60 million for drought mitigation, mainly for water trucking, drip irrigation and catchment ponds for farmers, as prohibition orders are expected August 10. Met Service says St Elizabeth, St James, St Ann and St Mary were in drought by end of June, with Manchester and St Catherine bordering on drought conditions.
RADA steps up drought support for farmers
RADA has expanded drought mitigation support for Jamaica's 284,000 farmers nationwide, including digital monitoring systems, an enhanced mobile app, and $800 million invested in rehabilitating farm roads over the past year.
Drought busters
The National Irrigation Commission says it is prepared to supply water to farmers amid worsening drought conditions, with trucking services operating in St Elizabeth and Trelawny despite a backlog, and new irrigation systems serving Essex Valley and Parnassus.
WATER WATCH - Wasting prohibition looms as Jamaica battles prolonged drought
Jamaica's government plans a water-wasting prohibition order from August 10 amid worsening drought and strengthening El Niño; Mona Reservoir customers in Kingston (Old Hope Road, New Kingston, Cross Roads, Mountain View, downtown Kingston) face rationing from August 3. St Elizabeth, St James, St Ann and St Mary are in drought, with Manchester and St Catherine borderline.
DROUGHT ALERT!
Jamaica's water minister warns that nationwide prohibition orders on non-essential water use (irrigation, car washing, pools) will take effect August 10 unless rainfall improves, amid drought conditions already affecting St Elizabeth, St James, St Ann, St Mary, with Manchester and St Catherine bordering on drought.
Drought response could cost $500 million
The Jamaican government announced an $86-million emergency allocation for drought response, with trucking, water tank distribution and 30 new loading bays, potentially rising to $500 million over three months if dry conditions persist.
Water restrictions for NWC customers served by Mona Dam starting August 3
NWC announced water restrictions starting August 3 for customers served by Mona Dam, now at 62% capacity, affecting Liguanea, Mountain View, New Kingston, Cross Roads and Vineyard Town, with supply limited to 6am-6pm daily.
Hurricanes, El Niño, whatever… let’s prepare best we can
An Observer editorial notes Jamaica's Met Service has activated its National Drought Management Committee amid El Niño conditions that could bring drought, heat waves and reduced rainfall nationally, even as hurricane activity may be below average.
Ground broken for $140m Stepney Rainwater Catchment Tank
A $140 million rainwater catchment tank project broke ground in Stepney, St Ann on May 22, to provide over 1,100 residents with a regularised potable water supply amid long-standing water scarcity.
Met Service warns of developing El Niño phenomenon
Jamaica's Met Service warned on May 20, 2026 of a developing El Niño likely to bring reduced rainfall and higher temperatures nationwide, raising drought risk for water, agriculture and livestock; the National Drought Management Committee was activated.
$145-m drought-mitigation plan
Jamaica's Agriculture Minister announced a $145-million mini-water catchment pond programme, plus water trucks, drip irrigation, mulch and tanks for farmers, to prepare for drought linked to El Niño. Irrigation expansion projects for Pedro Plains and Essex Valley were also outlined.
Water Restrictions for NWC Customers Served By Mona Dam Starting August 3
NWC announced water restrictions starting August 3 for customers served by Mona Dam, now at 62% capacity, affecting Liguanea, Mountain View, New Kingston, Cross Roads and Vineyard Town, with supply limited to 6 a.m.–6 p.m. daily.
Drought Management Committee to Help with Compliance of Prohibition Orders
Jamaica's Drought Management Committee will help enforce water prohibition orders taking effect August 17 in seven parishes, with agencies like police, fire brigade and health ministry monitoring compliance. Violators face fines or jail time.
Gov’t Considers Prohibition Orders To Preserve Water for Schools
Jamaica's Water Minister Matthew Samuda said prohibition orders on non-essential water use like irrigation and car washing could take effect in August if July rainfall and forecasts remain poor, to preserve water for September school reopening.
Education Ministry Activates Drought Protocols
The Education Ministry has activated drought protocols for the 2026/2027 school year, prioritising water trucking to schools via NWC and contracted private truckers, with boarding schools receiving more frequent deliveries.
Cabinet Approves Additional $500 Million to Strengthen Response to Drought
Cabinet approved an additional $500 million to fight the nationwide drought, with $200 million for MPs' constituency responses, $150 million for municipalities, and $150 million for NWC water trucking to schools, health centres and critical facilities.
Hermitage Dam to Be Upgraded
Minister Matthew Samuda announced a US$250 million upgrade to Hermitage Dam, alongside Mona Reservoir expansion review, new Rock River Dam in Clarendon, storage tanks, and treatment plant upgrades to boost water supply resilience amid drought conditions.
Primary Schools Receive Water Tanks
Bethany Primary School in Manchester received two 1,000-gallon water tanks on April 22 under a US-funded programme, as the school and surrounding community rely on rainfall and often struggle during drought.
Farmers Will Continue to Receive Free Irrigation Water – Minister Green
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said the government will keep trucking free irrigation water to drought-hit farmers island-wide, with over two million gallons supplied in August. A new $114.59 million JSIF irrigation system was also handed over at Ebony Park, Clarendon, to serve 1,474 acres.
Drought Mitigation Programme Gets Additional $60 Million to Assist Farmers
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announced an additional $60 million for the national drought mitigation programme on August 1, adding to a prior $149 million, to fund water trucking, storage, drip irrigation and catchment ponds for farmers.
RADA Parish Office in St. Mary Targets Farmers with Irrigation Systems
St. Mary RADA is prioritising seed distribution to farmers with irrigation systems amid drought, as June 2026 data shows hectares planted down 30%, crops reaped down 36% and tonnage down 44%.
Farmers Encouraged to Utilise National Irrigation Commission Water Filling Stations
The National Irrigation Commission is encouraging farmers to use its subsidised water filling stations to supplement supply amid lower-than-average rainfall, with rising demand noted in St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland and St. Elizabeth.
Ground Broken for $80M Hartlands Irrigation Project
An $80-million mini-pressurised irrigation project broke ground in Hartlands, St. Catherine, to help 41 farmers cope with unpredictable rainfall, with plans to expand to over 400 acres and completion expected within three months.
Livestock Farmers Urged to Secure Irrigated Fodder Banks
RADA is advising livestock farmers nationwide to set up irrigated fodder banks and monitor animal water quality and records as drought conditions threaten forage quality and animal health.
Agriculture Ministry Ensuring Stability in Food Supply, Prices Amid Dry Conditions
Jamaica's Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says the ministry is sourcing produce externally and expects price increases in vegetables and onions to moderate within two weeks due to hot, dry conditions. A greenhouse support programme, including 32 new greenhouses, is also being rolled out to help farmers.
NIC Upgrading Canals, Pipelines to Mitigate Dry Conditions
The National Irrigation Commission plans about 700 metres of canal rehabilitation and 1,400 metres of pipeline replacement to reduce water loss and improve irrigation reliability for farmers amid drought conditions.
Minister Green Outlines Drought Mitigation Strategies for Agriculture
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announced a $145-million programme for water catchment ponds, water trucks, drip irrigation and mulch to help farmers facing forecast drought, during the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate. He cited ongoing irrigation projects at Pedro Plains and Essex Valley, and upcoming Amity Hall/Bridge Pen system.