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11th
March 2010
Water
Rationing!
It
is getting worse, the water crisis …
and should the heavens remain dry for
the next two to three months, which would
reduce the level of water in the John
Compton Dam to lower than low levels,
Saint Lucians would have no choice but
to treat each drop of the precious liquid
as reverently as it could ever be treated.
Already the Water and Sewerage Authority
(WASCO) has stopped supplying cruise ships
with water when they dock in Saint Lucian
ports as it comes to grips with its current
situation.
With the country now into its dry season,
water supply in the short term, will continue
to be severely affected and, according
to WASCO’s general manager, John
Joseph should the situation worsen as
the season lengthens, WASCO will have
no choice but to ration water even more
than is currently being done.
The water company is not sitting twiddling
its thumb wondering what to do. The company
is looking at ways in which it could improve
the situation. For instance the company
is working with the government to see
whether it could use the wells at La Paradis
to store water. In fact the wells are
presently being tested.
Joseph noted that the company will be
re-instating an intake in Vanard and is
also working at installing portable treatment
plants to help communities in the rural
south.
Importing water is an option that may
be explored should the situation worsen.
The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association
is considering that option although there
has been no move on its part to do just
that. The VOICE understands that the authorities
have been talking to Dominica in that
regard but so far nothing concrete has
been agreed on.
The drought condition has raised another
area of worry for citizens, namely water
borne diseases as more and more Saint
Lucians revert to rivers for their water.
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The
Ministry of Health Wellness, Family Affairs,
National Mobilization, Human Services and Gender
Relations has been advising persons to take
all necessary precautions to protect their health
during this current drought.
According to the Ministry, water from the municipal
system (WASCO water) should be used for drinking.
In cases of inconsistent supply, pipe borne
water should be stored in clean water storage
containers. Water stored in and outside the
home should be properly covered to prevent the
breeding of mosquitoes, which are the vectors
for dengue disease.
The country’s Chief Medical Officer Dr.
Merlene Frederick notes that persons should
ensure that hands are washed in clean water
after toilet activities and before preparing
meals. Food, especially salads, fruits and fruit
juices should be prepared with clean water to
avoid the spread of diseases which may manifest
as vomiting and or diarrhea.
In cases where persons have no other option
but to obtain water directly from rivers, such
water should be boiled for at least 10 minutes
before use.
The drought situation in the country is now
serious enough to warrant even more stringent
measures by the authorities than what they had
proposed some three weeks ago. Saint Lucians
too must now understand that it cannot be business
as usual where the use of water is concerned.
(M.G.)
Discuss
Story
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