National Water Commission (NWC) has invested more than $90 million in new equipment and sewer infrastructure upgrades within the vicinity of Sabina Park in readiness for the Cricket World Cup to launch off in Jamaica on March 11.

But, the water agency has also generated income from the event, having signed a US$200,000 (J$30.4 million) contract with the CWC 2007 Local Organising Committee to supply the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium with water.

"The agreement has been signed," said NWC president, E.G. Hunter. "All negotiations were completed and executed."

The 'impact fee' facilitated the sporting complex's connection via a four to six inch pipeline to the newly-constructed 30-inch main laid under the US$40 million Martha Brae project.

Hunter said new sewer lines were laid from the intersection of Deanery and South Camp roads to Breezy Castle, which sits close to Kingston.

"We relaid the main pipeline and put in lateral connections," Hunter told Wednesday Business on Monday. "We've done associated work on streets in and around Sabina Park."

Lateral connections

Sabina Park, as well as residences not previously on the central system, was given lateral connections.

The $60 million spent on the sewerage system upgrade will be recovered through regular water billings, said Hunter.

The commission has also ordered two new Vactor Jet rudders for US$460,000 (J$30.9 million), building its Kingston fleet to four and its islandwide fleet to six. The two old units in Kingston are now being refurbished by a team from Detroit, ahead of the matches, said Hunter.

lavern.clarke@gleanerjm.com