Minister Konris Maynard Recaps Work Done by WSD in 2024 

The Water Services Department is working to increase water production and in so doing have a more steady supply for customers, despite the challenges posed by climate change.That’s according to line Minister for the Water Services Department, the Hon. Konris Maynard.

He made the assertion during a Press Conference last Thursday, where he shared a progress report of the work done by the Water Services Department and the Energy Unit.

He said that 70 per cent of the island’s potable water is extracted from underground reservoirs, which are being threatened by saltwater intrusion; and 30% from atop the ground. Despite the challenges, the WSD persists.

He said, “So far, we have increased the water budget by over 400%. We have reinstated the Water Board, that had been dormant for years. We have set up a 24 hour water hotline service. We have recommenced ground water exploration with drilling for new wells. After decades of water issues, in Cayon, this year we commissioned a brand new well in Cayon, bringing significant relief to the people of this area and its environs.

We have procured the services to build 1 million gallons of tank storage in Cayon. We are presently undertaking a drone-based airborne geophysical survey to identify new and unexplored areas for more ground water wells, particularly on the western side of the island, from Sandy P oint right around to the northern side of the island.

Additionally, a 200,000 gallon tank for Dieppe Bay; replaced pipelines; and purchasing desalinated water have been implemented to increase potable water supply.

The minister also highlighted the WSD’s idea to bridge water storage facilities to service more areas, among others.

“We have done an interconnection of storage facilities at Olivees and La Guerite, to have the ability to share water coming from the west with those that are normally fed from other distressed wells around the by the Basseterre aquifer. We have achieved the project preparation stage for the US $40 million trans-water project through the GCF. We have just completed the construction of a 70,000 gallon a day solar powered desalination plant, in collaboration with the UAE at the Canada Industrial site. Construction is now completed, as I mentioned, and we are presently in the commissioning and training phase for hopeful operation in February of 2025.”

The press conference also included a sitdown conversation with the minister where he dialogued with persons about Public Infrastructure, Youth Representation at international conference, ICT and the pending digital ID.-30-