The Jamaican Government is to spend $100 million to help Jamaicans, particularly those in rural communities that depend on catchment facilities in light of drought conditions.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement at a media briefing Friday afternoon.
He noted that Jamaica has seen a decline in rainfall since last October and stated that the Drought Management Committee has been monitoring the situation.
According to the prime minister, $50 million was initially made available last December to address the problem, including trucking water among other things.
However, Holness said that the situation has worsened with Jamaica now in a meteorological drought.
Holness further said that the $100 million will be carefully used to make sure that those in need of water receive it.
He also said the response effort will see increased trucking of water.
Holness advised Jamaicans to practice conservation methods, noting that conditions could further worsen given the projections.
