New Desalination Plant Commissioned to Strengthen Water Security

St. Kitts and Nevis has officially commissioned a new two-million-gallon-per-day desalination plant at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park, a project expected to significantly improve the reliability of the nation’s water supply.

Speaking at the ceremony on 24th February, 2026, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Utilities, Konris Maynard, described the facility as a historic turning point for the Federation’s water sector.

“This is not just the opening of a plant… this is the sound of water security flowing into the future of Saint Kitts and Nevis,” Maynard said as the facility was brought into operation.

The plant will produce approximately two million gallons of potable water daily -an amount comparable to the island’s major surface water sources combined – and forms part of a broader national effort to address longstanding supply interruptions experienced by households and businesses.

Maynard noted that when the current Labour Party administration assumed office in 2022, less than 25 percent of the island had access to continuous 24-hour water service. He said studies showed the Basseterre Valley aquifer was being overdrawn while rainfall patterns had become increasingly unpredictable, making dependence on natural sources unsustainable.

“We made a bold decision… to invest in a state-of-the-art desalination plant,” he stated, adding that the project represents “leadership in action.”

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew said reliable water access is fundamental to national development and public well-being, stressing that basic services should not be a source of daily anxiety for citizens.

“A government that is worth its salt must be able to provide water without stress or agony to access,” the Prime Minister said, noting that inadequate supply had affected hygiene, household routines and even mental well-being in many communities.

The Prime Minister added that the facility is expected to allow near 70 percent of households to receive round-the-clock water service, with some communities already experiencing continuous supply for the first time in years.

The project was delivered through international partnerships and includes new pipelines, storage connections and backup power systems. Officials said the plant is also designed for expansion, positioning the country for future demand and greater climate resilience.