NWC extends debt amnesty programme for small business operators amid Hurricane Melissa

The special amnesty programme by the National Water Commission (NWC) for small business operators with outstanding bills has been extended to December 31 arising from Hurricane Melissa.

The three-month initiative started in September and was set to end on November 30.

The programme is for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with outstanding balances, offering meaningful relief for businesses working to rebuild operations during this challenging period.

The NWC says the extension forms part of its broader efforts to support national recovery, even as it struggles to recover from the more than $10 billion in damage sustained to its infrastructure islandwide.

Given the significant disruptions experienced by the business community during and after Hurricane Melissa, the NWC says it has moved to extend the programme to ensure businesses have more time to stabilise their operations.

Under the programme, a 50% write-off is being offered to two categories of small business customers – accounts that are inactive and disconnected for more than three months, and active accounts with debts of more than $30,000 for over six months.

In addition to the discount, customers who qualify for the relief will also get a 100% waiver of reconnection fees where applicable.

The NWC says accounts that qualify will be granted up to three months to clear the remaining arrears without disconnection.

MSMEs can apply for the amnesty by visiting the NWC website at nwcjamaica.com, downloading and using the NWC Mobile App, emailing customercare@nwc.com.jm, calling 888-CALL-NWC, or going to any NWC commercial office.

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