Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant (Soapberry) is a 75,000 m³/day wastewater treatment facility serving sections of Portmore in St. Catherine, Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA). The National Water Commission (NWC) intends to expand the plant’s treatment capacity to 150,000 m³/day to accommodate projected growth in wastewater flows from the KSA. With support from expert advisors, NWC has completed the due diligence and feasibility studies required to determine the optimal approach for private sector participation in the project.
Project overview
Investment opportunity
The project involves the expansion of the Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant, a 75,000 m³/day facility serving sections of Portmore in St. Catherine, Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA). The expansion will increase treatment capacity to meet projected growth in wastewater demand while supporting national objectives to improve access to sewerage services. The project also presents opportunities for effluent recycling and renewable energy generation, including solar power, enhancing the environmental sustainability and resilience of the facility. The project is currently at the business case stage and is awaiting Government approval and budget allocation.
Investment types sought
Project status
Development stage
Feasibility & due diligence
Current status / progress to date
The Business Case and Transaction Structure have been completed. The required Government of Jamaica approvals are being sought before the project proceeds to the transaction stage. The project is expected to be tendered in FY 2027/28.
Additional project information
- Lead agency
- Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change and National Water Commission
Expected impact
Jobs created / supported
The project is expected to generate employment and support economic growth. Approximately 30 direct jobs are expected to be created in construction, wastewater treatment and equipment maintenance. A further 100 indirect jobs are anticipated across supporting industries, including transportation and logistics.
Economic & development benefits
- The project is anticipated to deliver positive economic, financial, environmental and social benefits
Climate & resilience benefits
- Uses low-energy wastewater stabilisation ponds and on-site solar power generation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimise greenhouse gas emissions
- Supports environmental sustainability and operational resilience
- Reduces flood risk and enhances community safety
Contact
Contact team
For more information about this project, please contact the Commonwealth Investment Platform team.