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Mr Communications and Works Minister Wasco needs your help!
Followings weeks of speculation, it was now official the John Compton dam had dried up. The dreaded day of the announcement turned out to be Monday 7th June 2010. Wasco, the island’s agency for the production and distribution of potable water, had been signaling for weeks that the John Compton dam at Roseau, the island’s main water reservoir, would soon dry up if the drought persisted.
Schools on the morning of the announcement remained closed for an indefinite period; businesses that had already begun reducing their working hours were now closed; high levels of absenteeism in government offices were being reported and hoteliers were now turning away guests. The country was now caught in the grip of a major economic and social crisis at the worst of times; the effects of climate change were now upon us. The phrase, “Water is Life” perhaps for the first time was having real meaning for St Lucians. Neighbouring Caribbean islands were experiencing similar problems. Rumours that Dominica, a traditionally rich water source, would be supplying St Lucia with water proved to be false; they too were having problems and not in a position to alleviate St Lucia’s water crisis, never mind the chance at making huge profits. Water had truly become life, and making money had become a secondary factor.
In an environment of growing crime, near out of control, policemen were being deployed to monitor water conservation laws. Some residents were still washing their cars and water hosing their lawns. More disturbing, were growing reports of busted Wasco pipelines by desperate residents scurrying around communities in search of water. The island’s low level of social development among its citizens was causing havoc to the water distribution network.
Cabinet members were in an emergency session with officials of Wasco, and key people from civil society groups, to formulate strategies to combat what was now a health and life threatening water problem. Hospitals and health centres were earmarked as priority areas for whatever water supply was available— public as well as private.
So desperate had the problem become that government was placing before the parliament a bill to allow a newly created entity with special powers to take control of privately stored water, in excess of 2000 gallons, in homes and businesses. The intention: to make water available to the thousands of citizens who had been without and would continue to be, if such assistance was not available.
If water is life, then why do we continue with practices that harm our supply?
Owners of privately stored water in that category would be compensated financially and be restricted to a supply from their own storage of 50 gallons per day per person occupying the premises. Opposition members were expected to support the bill with no changes except to limit the enforcement period of the proposed legislation. Adversity had suddenly brought about some unity among parliamentarians from both sides of the house. Some citizens in the affluent north of the island had taken the issue of water conservation so seriously that outdoor Portakabins had become their new restrooms, flushing toilets was now a new luxury item.
And then there was the already cash-strapped Wasco edging towards financial collapse with debts mounting and revenues plummeting as a result of rationing water to its consumers. Cruise ships unable to purchase water on the island were docking at other ports leaving local tour operators and taxis out in the cold. The knock –on effect of disruption in the tourism sector, manufacturing, government offices and schools left no one untouched by the economic crisis that seem to intensify as each day went by. The shortage of water had become the preoccupation of the nation.
Away from my crystal ball gazing, it dawned on me that this depressing scenario could be averted. With rain expected before long according to weather forecasters, the authorities should be promoting vigorously, the need for water conservation, the compulsory construction of water tanks for all buildings—residential and commercial, use of portable water tanks where constructed ones are not in place, and an increase in the price of water. Water remains too cheap, with a significant number of consumers being able to pay more.
For the group of consumers belonging to the poor and marginalized a lower or fixed price should apply as long as consumption remains below a certain threshold. Let us not forget that for months the nation was consuming daily less than
half what it did prior to the start of the drought. It means that we can manage with less water. The argument to use pricing as part of the strategy to encourage water conservation is strong, not to mention its positive impact on Wasco’s bottom line. Coupled with an increase in water rates the government should begin looking at tax incentives to encourage the use of water efficient equipment.
The Minister of Communications and Works, Guy Joseph must do more to assist Wasco. This organization cannot be expected to perform at optimum levels with so much government—created uncertainties: one time Wasco is all set for privatization, and then it
is not, then on and off again. The entity is inadequately under-capitalized and burdened with debt, which will only lead to its eventual financial demise if new money is not infused into it quickly. Already the company’s cash-flow position is worsening with water production and sales significantly reduced.
The drought we are currently experiencing is unlikely to be a one-off. Weather patterns all over the world are changing. Climate change is a reality and we are feeling the effects of it now. We should use our current experiences and the revelations of my crystal ball into June 7th 2010 as an incentive to take up water conservation measures seriously. The absence of adequate water supplies can ruin our fragile economy and provide cause for social unrest. Let us remember water is life indeed, let us not waste it.
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the water authority should be privatised as clearly someone made a terrible error in such a valuable resource.
Lack of water is no different in danger compared to the earthquake that hit Haiti. Fond St. Jaques area is so rich in water and it feeds the Choiseul area. We seem to not be able to communicate to each other on the island. It’s sad that nobody explored an emergency set up to truck water to the dry north.
The articles says “With rain expected before long, according to weather forecasters…”
Really? What weather forecasters have predicted rain before long? I’ve been searching all over the Internet to try to confirm that. All I can conclude is that we likely won’t have any rain before June, and maybe none during the rainy season either.
Wasco, I would like to say thanks for your comprehensive contribution on water conservation, no doubt we will put into practice immediately. The question, will there be any significant improvement in your water supply in the coming year? We all have seen tremendous growth in St.Lucia’s infrastructure; have you increase water storage facilities in any of those Districts? Wasco this really puzzle’s me I have lived in a desert for nearly four years…yes you heard right a desert which by the way is described as; an area of land, usually in very hot climates, that consists only of sand, gravel, or rock with little or no vegetation, no permanent bodies of water and erratic rainfall. The temperature by the way soars to 127-138 degrees in the summer and still we have never run out of water. Wasco after a little research here is what I came up with, which is pretty much basic but works. Most of our water comes from an underground source that dries up sometimes after a few weeks of pumping after which its time to find an alternate source…raw water is pumped directly into tanks which then goes through the purification process (ROWPU) then stored. Basic, the key here is STORAGE. This operation is as basic as it gets, but works. Our leaders have to also be held accountable as they need to be proactive when it comes to providing basic life support to the people.
This is quite a drastic situation that St.Lucia has found it self into.This situation is no body’s fault.However there are things that could have been put in place long before this pridicament occured.The St.Lucia Water authourity has for too long neglected the technology they use in the distribution and storage of water to the nation.They have not invested adequatley in the infrastruture that has been in place for a very long time.
The sad reality is that this a threat to life for the poor St.lucian who has no alternative.This is the perfect opportunity for WASCO,PARLIMENT, AND THE VARIOUS BUSINESSES on the island who’s existence depends on a frequent and reliable source of water.There are various methods of obtaining and storing water.Let us now invest in the most efficient one so that we can minimise the impact of this disaster if it happens again.Believe me it will.Lets not get caught flat footed.There are far east countries who want to have a say in St.Lucian’s life.Well lets use them to make some significant investment in the storage and distribution network of our water supply.PLEASE USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BE BETTER PREPARED FOR A SITUATION LIKE THIS.TILL THEN GOD BE WITH US.
Beautifully put and love the way the knock on effects were highlighted. Indeed we as St.Lucians need to be more aware of conservation practices that have been and are currently employed in countries with low water supply. Public education is a must in general and for sustainability it should be part of a school curriculum.
Barbados,Cayman islands, bahamas just 2 name a few all have
Desalination plants: equipment which by the process of reverse osmosis produces potable water of exceptional quality.
i live and work in all the above islands and there is and continue to have an abundunce of water.. St. lucia should source,invest or encourage investors wether by privatision or incentives , in the above mentioned system to assist our evergrowing water demand. the world climatic conditions dictates this is the only way to alliviate us from this crisis..Yes i know these plants operate at some costs but majority of st. lucians are paying significantly low water rates. the costs of operating the de salination plants can also be subsidize by water sales throughout the neighbouring region and cruise vessels…
After all 99% of all the bottled water are from desalination plants.
Hyatt hotel now sandals grand have been using this process from day one.
Maryanna i urge you to research de-salination plants and prepare an informative and detailed article on their operation and reliable benefits. im not advocating doing away with our current means of sourcing water by any means.
However the inevitable water crisis we are facing is not only a regional but global issue.
No household should be without water storage. Instead of passing laws that will enable the government to “take” water from people who are wise enough to have a
reserve, there should be legislation requiring everyone to have water storage. It was a wise move for the Solid waste management company to have garbage bins at a reasonable price when the waste collection system changed. Making water storage tanks available at reasonable prices is a smarter move than punitive legislation.
Wasco, I made a call home last night and heard that there is still water flowing in most rivers as a matter of fact thats where people do most of their laundry. Once there is still a water source there should be no problem. While you talk conservation we are destroying our rivers and its life with toxic washing detergents.
st lucia should be handed back to the british if not this beautiful island will be worse than haiti to many coverup among the ministers soon st lucia will be the poorest island in the world.
what a shame .
what do we expect….when for over 8 years wasco keep filling a tank at moul a vent when its all draining out in a leak that has been reported over 10 years now…..what do we expect when our rain forest for years has been used to plant fig preventing it from retaining our water…..thanks to our short sighted heros who for years were warned but put politics ahead of positive progress so now we have dry forest and dead and dieing seas…..we like it so……stlucia nice…….st lucia i will say again ONLY MAD PEOPLE KEEP DOING THINGS THE SAME WAY AND EXPECT DIFFERENT RESULTS,,,,,toof
Wasco here is a breakdown-ROWPU plant size of a 20′ container which would output roughly a million gallons daily from any river source-$235,000us. Four bladder bags one for raw water coming in from river source and three for storage-$80,000. Total $315,000 small price to pay to supply any district in St.Lucia with non-stop flowing water. In a community with at least 10,000 you can have a flat rate of $40 per month which would generate $400,000 monthly. Whcih would allow to modify unit as you go.
Know what? The water measures outlined in the article were on the LPM website. I kid you not. Meetings upon meetings means that people are not working at their posts. So what’s the solution to these endless meetings?
Nobody’s fault? St. Lucians never cease to amuse me. It is nobody’s fault because the governments elected had absolutely no foresight! No vision! The bible teaches us as in the story of Joseph, that in times of plenty you prepare for the drought, so that you are never without. The ministers that St. Lucians elect are mainly pothole patchers and street lamp installers. Let us pray that there is no epidemic from this additional crisis. Already, we have some very popular politicians tacitly “pushing” the epidemic of crime. You see, the bible says, and it is so true here today, that when there is no vision the people perish.
the time has come to start considering desalination to compliment the current water supply mechanism
Did Jam bo fall on his head by saying St Lucia should be given back to the british !!! what a cheek ! why not try to enter England him or herself, And who said we ever belonged to Anyone !!
Like an official once said and I quote “The Next War will Not be for GAS but Rather for Water”. unquote
With regards to the ROWPU, it will require pressure filters, pumps and chemical dosing equipment, all of which will increase the unit cost of the water. I actually worked on the plants during the Hyatt days and they can work fantastically but the downside to it is the extremely high electricity demand. The plants were only operated out of necessity. Nevertheless, an intervention worth considering
With all this water shortages I am very sure that your very own primeministerStephenson King has no distrution of water supply, as these cabinet ministers will ALWAYS LOOK AFTER THEIR OWN? With all the money WASCO charges for supply of water surely monies received should have been invested into other sources alot quicker but as usual with the Laid back Attitide st lucians has I am not surprised every thing is always at your paste? WHY WAST THE WATER SUPPLY PRIVATISED IN THE FIRST PLACE WHY WAS GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION NOT MADE SOONER YOU MINISTERS LET YOUR PEOPLE DOWN YOUR QUICK TO COME ROUND FOR VOTES AND TO GIVE BRIBES WHERE THEY NEED TO GO TO ENSURE YOUR POWERS WILL CONTINUE SHAME ON YOU?
Am i the only one to notice the date and tenses in the story !!!!!!!! “it WAS now official the John Compton dam HAD dried up The dreaded day of the announcement turned out to be Monday 7th June 2010. ”
Is this fiction or a forecast?????
Solutions to the problem in the future.
1. Fresh water conservation method and management of water sources.
2. Incentive from government to encourage the storage of rain water. Private water systems (underground water tanks during construction and above ground where applicable)
3. Desalination plants
We cannot run away from it, the world is in a crisis where water is concern. We are a small island, some simple measures can easily resolve that problem. I do not think privatisation will solve this situation, it may just make it worse. What we need to do now is lobby the government to implement the suggestions I have made.
Well as a St. Lucian living abroad. I am really sad to hear about the drought, but Fellow St. Lucians we have to take ownership of the Counrty and top cutting down trees, stop burning down,above all, stop polluting the Island. Lets not forget how beautiful and clean we were 20 years ago! We need to conserve water! I have said it a million times, if we conserve water during the rainy season, water tanks, water cisterns like they have in the US Virgin Islands. Then we would not have the Water Crisis now. There are so many rivers, ravines and running water. Come on people wake up!!!! Maybe this a wake up call! Lets not forget what happened to HAITI. It can happen to US. Think about y’all.
Jam bo is no Lucian because no Lucian will ever wish that kind of thing to happen to Fair Helen, he/she is full of hatred and I feel so sorry for the poor soul. Please seek help before you self-destruct.
Anyways, I think Guy should be fired because the PR has been very bad since it feeds more uncertainty and terror to the public than solutions. And wipe that smirk off your face.
Monday June 7th 2010 is not here yet. there must be something wrong with that date. Or is it that it is expected for the dam to run dry on that day. Please someone make it clear what the truth is.
Regarding the date in the article, if you had read it properly you would have noticed the line stating. “Away from my crystal ball gazing, it dawned on me that this depressing scenario could be averted.”
jam bo you are so right
It is with much interest I read your article and the series of comments. Thanks for a thought provacating and informative article which was needed and needs to continue to sensitise every St. Lucian about the importance of water and how they can best use the precious resource which is definitely scarce not just because of drought but the inevitable impact of climate change.
I have been questioning the logic why within the planning and development control regulations why every building on the island be domestic or commercial is not required to have tanks for rain harvesting and use in toilets which obviously would save them the cost of buying water from WASCO.
The privatisation of the WASCO is not the solution as water will become in the not to distant future as important as oil! We in St. Lucia needs to evaluate our thinking and demand that water should be cheap and I argue the price of water needs to be increase significantly but in the context of a stated limit amount at a price affordable to the poor in society.
We all need to continue this debate and take the necessary steps to ensure we preserve and use water wisely.
Bajan girl
The Caribbean is feeling the effects of the drought. I am sorry about the situation in St. Lucia. I pray that the drought will end before June.
Has anyone considered that the obvious answer is increased storage? We still have plenty of rain annually but it all ends up in the sea. There is need for a dam the size of the John Compton dam in the Babonneau area to supply the northern tip where the majority of the population is found. Another can be built at the top of the Troumassee to supply the southern areas. Why are the government and WASCO behaving like headless chickens and just running around crying “no water?” What are the long term PLANS to address this? This is not rocket science. It’s called physical planning and common sense.
one word…desalination
There’s no water crisis in St. Lucia, so many pipes shooting water along the roadsides and WASCO isn’t doing anything to curb these problems.