St Lucia exploring importing water from Dominica to deal with shortage

CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC - The St Lucia government has indicated that it is exploring the possibility of bringing in water from Dominica as the island moves to avert a water crisis based on weather forecast and water levels at the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO).

A government statement on Friday said that three immediate initiatives have been recommended for a short-term period, including the reconstruction of a section of the Northern Pipeline from Bonneterre to Cap Estate in the north of the island, “the barging of water from Dominica to avert a water crisis within the hospitality sector, and water harvesting and conservation practices”.

The statement said that these measures are critical to 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 eight per cent desilted John Compton Dam, allowing greater prioritisation of supply to residential communities while supporting commercial and tourism operations.”

The statement quoted Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre as saying that “if the situation further deteriorates, the government will spare no effort to ensure that water is barged into the island to supply this much-needed resource to the people”.

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