Water Minister pushes back at criticism from Opposition over claims of inequitable sharing of water resources

September 20, 2026

Water Minister Matthew Samuda has pushed back at criticism from the opposition over claims of inequitable sharing of water resources, amid the ongoing drought.

Last month, Opposition Spokesman for Water, Ian Hayles blasted the Government for what he deemed a reactive and inequitable handling of the situation.

Mr. Hayles called on the Government to distribute water tanks to residents in hard hit communities, as well as to allocate special funds to all members of parliament to facilitate the trucking of water.

Mr. Samuda pointed out that each MP already received funds for trucked water.

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He refuted claims that water tanks are being distributed based on political affiliation.

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The Minister said the Government remains committed to providing potable water to every citizen.

He cited the Western Water Resilience Project as an example of that commitment.

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Mr. Samuda was speaking at the recent commissioning of the Brown’s Town to Retreat Pipeline Installation Project in St. Ann.