Press Release – National Irrigation Commission Limited
Date:    January 3, 2000
Headline: Irrigation Act Amended – Tougher Penalties Are Here

The Irrigation Act of 1949 has been amended by the Irrigation (Amendment) Act 1999. This new Act repeals the Rio Cobre Canal Law and the Black River (Upper Morass Reclamation) Act, while relevant provisions from both  Laws have been consolidated into the newly amended act.

 The new penalties under the Irrigation (Amendment) Act 1999 are imprisonment of three (3) years or $100,000.00 for major offences, and twelve (12) months or $10,000.00 for minor offences. The Resident Magistrate has the power to impose a combination of imprisonment as well as a fine if he deems it necessary.

Illegal activities deemed punishable under the law are as follows:-

Major Offences                                                                    

Stealing water or willfully causing water conserved by the NIC to go to waste,  washing of vehicles and  clothes are common examples of stealing water;                    

Willfully or maliciously blocking up or obstructing irrigation infrastructure, for example, the dumping of garbage; 

Damaging or tampering with irrigation infrastructure like opening or closing sluices, water gates, regulators, pipes, bench marks, water gauges etc.

 Minor Offences

Obstructing the process of work or molesting or hindering any worker in the lawful execution of his duty;

Selling of irrigation water by unauthorized persons;

 It is hoped that this new Law will act as a deterrent to wrong doers.

CONTACT:         Patricia Tyrrell, Public Relations Specialist
ADDRESS:          191 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
TELEPHONE #:   (876)977-6624/4022/6727