Basseterre, St. Kitts – As the island grapples with decreased rainfall by approximately 20% over the last ten years, an expanding housing sector has also tested the Water Services Department’s resolve to provide a steady water supply for its customers.
The Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister of Utilities, has met this challenge head-on by exploring and implementing innovative solutions like desalination with unwavering support from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, the leadership of the Water Services Department, financial assistance from benefactors like the United Arab Emirates and most recently, the technical expertise of Royal Utilities Ltd.
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy, Utilities, and Domestic Transport broke ground on a desalination plant in a small but significant ceremony held on-site at the C.A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site. Special guests included the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, other members of Cabinet, Heads of Government Departments, senior management of Royal Utilities Ltd., and representatives of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
This is the second groundbreaking ceremony of a desalination plant on the island in four months. The first ceremony occurred on March 19 in Canada Estate, on the Atlantic side of the island.
Breaking ground on the plant in Basseterre also completes a trifecta of water service initiatives for 2024. In May, the Government commissioned a well in Cabbage Tree, Cayon, which restored 24-hour water service to that community.
In his address, Minister Maynard said that the new plant will provide Basseterre with 2 million gallons of water daily and facilitate a return to 24-hour service for the area. This would bring much-needed relief to citizens for whom water shortages have become a new way of life.
The project’s estimated cost is $50 million, a testament to the Government’s commitment to restore round-the-clock access to potable water island-wide.
