Government Advances Short-Term Water Support Measures

The Government of Saint Lucia has announced a series of targeted measures aimed at averting a water crisis in Saint Lucia based on weather forecasts and water levels by WASCO. In the short term, three (3) immediate initiatives are in the pipeline, which include (1) the reconstruction of a section the Northern Pipeline from Bonneterre to Cap Estate, (2) the barging of water from the Commonwealth of Dominica to avert a water crisis within the hospitality sector, and (3) water harvesting and conservation practices.

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre confirmed that the initiatives form part of a coordinated response developed in consultation with the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Public Utilities, and the Office of the Prime.

These measures are critical at stabilising the water supply particularly in the north of the island during the current dry season. The plans to barge water from the Commonwealth of Dominica to support hospitality operations are at an advanced stage, with initial shipments expected on island in the coming weeks. This measure is designed to curb the depletion of local water sources and supplies from the 8% desilted John Compton Dam, allowing greater prioritisation of supply to residential communities while supporting commercial and tourism operations.

The Prime Minister hastened to add that if the situation further deteriorates, the Government of Saint Lucia will spare no effort to ensure that water is barged into the island to supply this much needed resource to the people of Saint Lucia.