The government of St. Kitts and Nevis is making decisive progress in tackling the Federation’s water challenges with the construction of a new desalination plant, set to be operational by mid-2025. The facility, located at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site, will utilise advanced seawater reverse osmosis technology to produce two million gallons of potable water daily, addressing the long-standing water shortages.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, Public Infrastructure and Water Services Minister, Konris Maynard, and representatives from Royal Utilities, recently toured the construction site. Speaking about the project, Prime Minister Drew expressed confidence in its timely completion.
“We are fortunate that every milestone has been met as per the contractual obligations. The work is progressing very well, and we are on schedule,” said Dr. Drew.
The EC$50 million investment is part of a broader government strategy to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply. This initiative includes drilling additional wells, implementing hydrogeological surveys, and enhancing water storage and distribution systems.
Tackling Water Scarcity Amid Climate Challenges
Minister Maynard emphasised the urgency of addressing the Federation’s water issues, which have been exacerbated by reduced rainfall, over-extraction, and the looming threat of saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers.
“If saltwater intrusion occurs, it would render the current freshwater sources unusable. That’s why we are prioritising these investments now. The desalination plant is a vital solution to ensure our water supply remains secure for future generations,” explained Minister Maynard.
He added that supplementary efforts, such as drilling new wells and building large storage tanks, are designed to bolster water reserves and mitigate the impact of dry spells on residents and businesses.
Relief on the Horizon
With the plant set to commence full-scale water production by July 2025, the government anticipates a significant improvement in water reliability for the Basseterre region and surrounding areas.
“This will be a game-changer for St. Kitts and Nevis,” Dr. Drew remarked. “Our vision is to ensure every citizen has access to potable water 24/7. While we understand the frustrations caused by current water shortages, the desalination plant marks a critical step toward achieving this goal.”
Strategic Vision for Sustainable Development
The project aligns with the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), which aims to build resilience against climate challenges while supporting national development. The desalination plant not only ensures the availability of water for daily needs but also facilitates economic growth and infrastructure development.
“Water is life, and every drop counts,” said Dr. Drew. “These investments are about more than solving immediate water issues. They are about securing our future and creating an infrastructure capable of withstanding tomorrow’s challenges.”
As construction progresses, the government, in collaboration with Royal Utilities and the Water Services Department, remains focused on delivering long-term solutions to the Federation’s water challenges. The desalination plant underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding water security for current and future generations.
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