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.... Guest Editorial

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.

 
 

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.)

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