Samuda orders water storage audit as gov't braces for drought

An urgent audit of water storage at hospitals, schools and police stations has been ordered as the Government braces for significantly below-normal rainfall between April and June.

The directive was issued Tuesday by Matthew Samuda, minister of water, environment and climate change, following a review of the country’s water systems.

The ministry said the Drought Management Committee, a sub-committee of the Integrated Water Resource Management Council, met to conduct “a comprehensive assessment of the country's water resources and the escalating impact of reduced rainfall on national systems.”

According to the Meteorological Services Branch, the early rainfall period typically experienced between April and June is expected to be significantly below normal.

“If these projections materialise, water storage will be critical in preventing a prolonged drought from severely disrupting households, agriculture and essential services,” the ministry said in a statement.

The National Water Commission reported that 133 of its 612 water supply systems are already affected by reduced inflows, raising the prospect of restrictions if conditions worsen.

“Without a substantial increase in rainfall, the agency warned that water restrictions may become necessary in several areas,” the statement noted.

Particular concern was raised about the western region, where infrastructure remains compromised following Hurricane Melissa that devastated the country in October last year. The National Irrigation Commission Limited also highlighted mounting challenges in the eastern end of the island, especially within the Yallahs Basin.

In response, Samuda directed Rural Water Supply Limited to immediately implement a two-part emergency action plan.

First, the agency is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of rural water systems in hurricane-affected communities, outlining repair costs and identifying systems that can be quickly rehabilitated to provide immediate relief and strengthen drought resilience.

Second, the minister ordered an urgent audit of water storage capacity at critical institutions, including hospitals, schools, children’s homes, homes for the elderly and police stations, particularly those housing detainees.

“This is about preparedness and protection,” Samuda said. “We must ensure that our most vulnerable citizens and essential services are safeguarded if the anticipated rains do not materialise.”

The ministry said nearly 13,000 household water storage tanks have already been distributed to boost community-level resilience during dry periods.

Samuda is expected to present a detailed report to Cabinet outlining further recommendations should below-normal rainfall persist.

Meanwhile, the Government said it is advancing longer-term resilience projects, including the Western Water Resilience Project, with full construction scheduled to begin in June 2026.

It also pointed to ongoing work under the Rio Cobre Water Supply Project, which is expected to deliver approximately 15 million imperial gallons of water per day upon completion, adding capacity beyond deficits experienced during previous drought conditions.

To support communities facing supply disruptions, the Government said 77 water trucks are now available islandwide through the National Water Commission, with additional units acquired over the past two years to expand response capability.

The Drought Management Committee comprises representatives from several ministries and agencies, including the Meteorological Services Branch, Water Resources Authority, National Water Commission, Rural Water Supply Limited and National Irrigation Commission Limited.

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