An investment of J$99 million has been made by the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) to strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure continuity of care through the installation of two 150,000-gallon water storage tanks at the Kingston Public and the Princess Margaret Hospitals.

The newly installed tanks feature extensive metal piping, connections, and fittings designed to fully integrate them into the hospitals’ water supply systems. Each unit is fully sealed to prevent contamination and has undergone rigorous structural and water-quality testing before being commissioned.

The installation of these high-capacity tanks provides both hospitals with a reliable backup water supply during major disruptions to the main supply from the National Water Commission (NWC), ensuring they can sustain critical operations for extended periods. This is especially important during natural disasters, when municipal water service may be interrupted for long durations.

“These tanks are not intended for routine daily use but rather to support uninterrupted patient care during emergencies and natural disasters,” stated Mr. Lascelles Brown, Regional Director, SERHA. “Having a reliable water supply is essential for our daily operations, particularly, our sanitation, and infection control.”

SERHA remains committed to ongoing infrastructure improvements that strengthen resilience, safeguard public health services, and ensure that essential medical care continues without interruption even under the most challenging circumstances.