As someone who takes daily walks along the water’s edge at Vigie Beach, I am appalled that the Ministry of Infrastructure has approved the construction of a water tank at the very end of the beach, where the dirty and polluted water from the area is piped into a water-tank, then streamed into the sea—within a few feet of where many St Lucians bathe. There is no primary or secondary treatment to filter the filthy water before it reaches the popular swimming spot.
Where is the anticipated consideration for swimmers? Where is the concern for the health of the many residents and tourists who take daily sea baths at Vigie? Does this project have the approval of the Development Control Authority? Is this yet another example of “putting the people first?”
This construction poses a health hazard to thousands of unsuspecting citizens and visitors. I call upon all St Lucians to voice their protest and demand the Ministry of Infrastructure step in before it’s too late. The excuse that the ocean is large enough to absorb certain levels of pollution is unscientific, unacceptable and deadly. To expose innocent babies, young children and adults in this way to possibly countless bacterial infections is next to criminal.
Back in the mid-80s, the government of the day was forced to issue a warning to sea bathers after it was discovered that seepage from a rubbish dump at Choc into the sea near the Malabar Hotel was responsible for countless health complaints, including vaginal. Let us come together again and demand this conceivably enlightened government puts an immediate stop to the latest threat to the health of our nation. (Shortly before publication, DCA chairperson informed me that his office does not have authority over projects by the Ministry of Instructure!)
