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Prepared for presentation to Jamaica Mortgage Bank Housing
Development seminar on Thursday December 2, 2004—presented By
Mr. E.G. Hunter-President NWC.
OVERVIEW
Development Approval Process
Legal Basis for NWCs Involvement in the Development Approval
Process
Processing Subdivision Applications at NWC
Issues Considered in Processing Applications
Some Issues
New Developments in Law
Post Approval Issues
LEGAL BASIS
NWC Act
One main function is to, within the limit of its resources,
Provide & improve water supply services throughout the island
(section 4(1)(d))
Acquire property considered expedient to carry out its functions
Allow NWC to acquire infrastructure constructed by others (e.g.
Developers)
For KSA NWC has the power to approve water & sewerage
applications
Local Improvement Act
Section 5 mandates that subdivision applications be submitted to
the Parish Councils The application must have specification
regarding sewers & water pipes among other things
Councils refer issues relating to water & sewerage to NWC for
review & recommendations
Requirements for submitting development applications
Design of infrastructure, including water supply & sewerage
Specification for water pipes, sewers, etc.
Section 8
Processing subdivision applications by Parish Council
Refusal of applications
Imposition of conditions of approval
Kingston Improvement Act
Similar to the provisions of the Local Improvement Act
Specific to Kingston & St. Andrew
PROCESSING SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS AT NWC
In accordance with requirements of sections 5 of Local
Improvement Act & NWC Act, plans specifications, etc to be
submitted
Drawings (at least 4 sets)
Layout development
Water /sewer network
Location Map
Endorsement of hydrant locations by Fire Department
Digital copy of the plan
PROCESSING SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS AT
NWC
Engineering Report
Required for
All developments over 30 lots
Where complex supply system to be provided (pumping, storage
tanks, pressure zoning, etc)
Includes
Details design of supply system
Information on hydraulic evaluation of proposed system
Specification
WATER
Development located in close vicinity to an existing water
supply system
Development located at some distance from NWC water supply
system (but supply source adequate)
Development located at some distance from NWC water supply
system (but supply source INADEQUATE)
2. Development at location some distance from existing water
supply system (supply source ADEQUATE)
Developer determines off-site infrastructure requirement
Developer design infrastructure to convey water from nearest
point of NWC water supply system to the development
Developer include proposal to provide water with application
(includes engineering report)
3. Development located at some distance from NWC water supply
system (but supply source INADEQUATE)
Supply sources for nearest NWC water supply system inadequate to
meet additional demand of development
Nearest NWC water supply system very far from development
Developer may identify suitable source to supply development
Relate with WRA
Source must have capacity to meet water requirement of the
development provide
Quality must meet MOH standard
Developer include proposal to provide water with application
(includes engineering report)
ISSUES CONSIDERED IN PROCESSING
APPLICATIONS
SEWERAGE
Where possible for discharge to NWC sewerage – NWC stipulates
conditions
Where new sewerage & sewage treatment plant constructed and
developer intends for NWC to take it over
Consideration for minimum flows in sewers & to plant
Effluent discharge from plant must be shown to meet NEPA’s
standard
Post Approval Issues
Developer must give NWC at least 7 days notice in writing of
intention to commence work
NWC to be allowed to monitor works for water supply system
Testing (pressure testing, disinfection) at developers
Completion Certificate
Take-over by NWC
SOME ISSUES
1. LEGAL
Creation of the OUR
OUR sets quality standards
Service level for existing customers
NWC’s consideration of new customers versus existing ones
Monitor quality of water & effluent discharged from wastewater
treatment plants
Metering
OUR determines tariff
OUR grants licenses for sewerage & water treatment
Amendments to NWC Act
Feb 2004 amendments to synchronize with OUR Act
Water & Sewerage Services Act
Being drafted & discussed
Removes regulating powers from NWC
Will better harmonize relationships among stakeholders in the
sector, including regulators (NEPA, OUR, etc), developers
WRA grants abstraction licence for water
NEPA grants permit for sewage treatment
OUR grants licence for operating water utilities
NWC competes in the sector
2. SERVICE LOTS
Cost to maintain and secure systems for which NWC does not
generate sufficient revenue
Slow and unpredictable build-out
Stagnant water in water mains
Water theft
Stealing of hydrants, valves etc
Septicity in sewers
Options being considered
Developer operate & maintain systems until optimum build-out
Developer deposit an amount to cover cost to maintain & secure
system for a stipulated period (say 5 years)
Customers obtain discount on connection charges based on time
that service contract is made with NWC.
3. IMPACT CHARGES
Financing new water supply/sewerage infrastructure
Connection Fee (to each developer)
Share in capital cost for water supply/sewerage infrastructure
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