St Kitts & Nevis government points focus on agenda drive change in increasing water supply

Basseterre, St Kitts: The Government of St Kitts and Nevis is moving forward with its agenda to drive change in the water services sector as it is seeking to meet the demand of a growing population as well as an expanding agricultural sector.

During the March 22 edition of the radio as well as TV programme InFocus, Cromwell Williams, Water Engineer at Water Services Department (WSD), mentioned the theme for World Water Day 2023 that is “Accelerating Change” is apt as it is capturing the general strategy of the government in building resiliency as it is grappling with the reduced rainfall because of the climate change.

Drilling new wells, upgrading pipes as well as enhancing technical skills are among the strategies for tapping new sources of water for meeting the growing demand. However, desalination has been noted as a significant solution for long-term sustainability, and planning for the construction of a small plant are set to start.

Williams stated that, “We have one that we are about to begin, a smaller one that is a donation from the UAE, which should be going down in Canada area close to the shooting range. The UAE plant is ready. They have begun the work on the ground, not in terms for the construction of the plant but doing the geotechnical exploration. And that plant will begin full construction in a few weeks or months, as well as I think that would be completed in not late this year, very early next year.”

Williams further mentioned that in addition to the water supply will be helping in relieving the shortages that are predicted for growing worse with the reduced rainfall in the coming years.

At the same time, residents are strongly encouraged to practice simple water conservation techniques that were contributing to gallons upon gallons of water being wasted every day.