St. Kitts and Nevis has embarked on its most ambitious water sector reform to date, marked by a 400% budgetary increase and anchored by the construction of a state-of-the-art two-million-gallon-per-day desalination plant in Basseterre. The update was delivered on 5th June, 2025, during a major press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy, Utilities, Domestic Transport, ICT and Post.
The Ministry, led by Konris Maynard, presented a sweeping vision for securing the nation’s water supply through infrastructure development, scientific innovation, and climate adaptation.
Head of the Water Services Department (WSD), Cromwell Williams, described the shift as a turning point in the Federation’s approach to water management. “It took years to get here, but today, we are seeing the most decisive steps ever taken to reverse years of underinvestment and to make water access reliable and sustainable,” he stated.
At the centre of this transformation is the Basseterre Desalination Plant, which is already 75% complete and expected to begin supplying potable water by July 2025. Williams confirmed the project’s total cost is approximately EC$50 million, including pipeline infrastructure currently being installed by WSD’s internal team.
This critical investment is being bolstered by the revival of a nationwide well-drilling programme. A contract valued at EC$25 million has been awarded to a Trinidad and Tobago firm to drill around ten wells. These are strategically located across rural areas historically affected by water shortages—from Cayon to St. Paul’s—identified using drone-based geophysical surveys to map underground aquifers.
Minister Maynard emphasised that while the focus remains on restoring 24-hour water service to all communities, realistic timelines must be accepted. “Infrastructure takes time. These wells are drilled over 500 feet deep. It’s not just about finding water—it’s about connecting it, purifying it, and delivering it safely into homes,” he explained.
The Basseterre and St. Peter’s areas are expected to see full restoration of round-the-clock water supply within the next two months, with rural areas following by the end of the year.
Maynard also addressed the desalination plant’s energy demands, which will account for nearly 10% of the country’s average energy consumption. The facility includes backup power generation systems, and ongoing upgrades at SKELEC are being made to support its load. A transition to renewable energy is central to ensuring the plant’s long-term affordability.
Water conservation also featured prominently in the discussion. Williams and Maynard jointly urged the public to embrace more responsible water usage. “We live on a small island. Water is limited, and conservation is not optional,” Williams said, noting resistance to the idea of St. Kitts and Nevis being water-scarce.
Maynard added that while other countries have introduced strict mandates to curb water wastage, the government is opting for partnership over enforcement—for now. “We’re asking for your cooperation. Help us avoid having to legislate behaviours around how water is used,” he said.
Campaigns promoting water-saving habits are already in circulation, including public service announcements dramatising the consequences of water waste.
Turbidity issues following recent rainfall and tropical storms were also addressed. Assistant Water Engineer Landrith Mikhail Isaac outlined current efforts to install filtration systems and redirect water from unaffected sources during disruptions.
Highlighting the impact of climate change on water stability, Maynard pointed to increasing rainfall intensity, landslides, and sedimentation as examples of climate-driven events forcing adaptation in water infrastructure.
To improve real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, the Ministry is also preparing to implement a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This digital upgrade will allow for remote oversight of water levels, quality, and distribution across the island, significantly boosting operational efficiency.
The government’s comprehensive strategy is supported by international funding, including the US$40 million Green Climate Fund TransWater Project. This initiative is designed to enhance water resilience through sustainable management and infrastructure development.
As the Federation moves towards universal 24-hour water access, the Ministry remains committed to public transparency, infrastructure reliability, and climate resilience. “This is the single largest investment ever in our water sector—and it’s only the beginning,” said Minister Maynard.
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