ON the heels of a similar undertaking, the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) has initiated a contract with the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCo) Inc., to improve the water supply in deserving communities.
The Bouton Water Enhancement Sub-Project is being funded under the seventh cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund to enhance access to basic social and economic infrastructure.
Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques and Minister for Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment, Harold Dalson said residents have had to rely on trucked water since the 2013 Christmas Eve trough.
“Since the trough of 2013, the water catchment area at Quatre Chemin disappeared. Since then, the residents have had to rely on trucked water from WASCO. This system was not always dependable, and residents often complained to me that a truck had not come for a while, and they were in need of my intervention. I am glad that this will no longer be an issue and the residents will be relieved once this project is completed.”
The upgrade and extension of the water supply in Bouton is necessary to provide a reliable and safe water supply to residents. Presently, Belvedere, Canaries is the closest and most reliable water source to Bouton.
“It has been the norm that we receive water once every three months – with some people going as long as seven months with no pipe borne water,” Bouton resident Ms. Gifta Jongue said.
“We know very well the challenges associated with having inadequate water. That is why we are here today to support the work of the SSDF and the CDB through the BNTF to give us a consistent water supply.”
The Bouton intervention is the largest of all water sub-projects under the BNTF. It includes the installation of ductile-iron pipes inclusive of all fittings, the construction of a glass-fused steel water tank at Quarte Chemin, a pump house and the installation of a water pump at the Belvedere water tank location, and connections in 26 households in Bouton.
To enhance the sustainability of the project, water resource and water/waste maintenance, training will be provided for residents.
The second phase of the project will extend to Colombette, a community which also lacks pipe borne water. WASCO is the agency retained for implementing the scope of works under the guidance and supervision of the Caribbean Development Bank retained consultant and the SSDF.