WINDWARD and Leeward Brewery Ltd. (WLBL), has partnered with Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) through its International Water Stewardship Programme (IWaSP) and the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) to embark on the Saint Lucia Water Stewardship Partnership.
The partnership will set out to identify short-term measures that will seek to improve water security, collectively secure sustainable water supply for the communities and industries located in the south of Saint Lucia in the long run and actively seek the engagement of communities and organizations, and other industries and water users in the region.
At a cheque presentation ceremony, Mr. Sebastian Sanchez, Managing Director of WLBL said: “We are proud to partner with WASCO and GIZ to aid in the upgrading of water facilities and distribution in the southern area of St. Lucia. Water is an important resource and through our Water Stewardship programme, we would like to ensure that we invest in projects that can reduce water wastage, consumption and utilize sustainable practices in our homes and businesses. One major facet in our “Brewing a Better World” campaign is to help protect our water resources in water-scarce and water-distressed areas and this partnership will enable us to do so”.
The WLBL’s “Brewing a Better World” initiative is a long-term approach for creating and sharing sustainable business practices. The main pillars of the initiative include protecting water resources, reducing CO2 emissions, advocating responsible consumption, promoting health and safety and growing with communities.
Mr. Vincent Hippolyte, Managing Director of WASCO said, “We have a lot of work to do in upgrading our water facilities on the island. And through partnerships with responsible corporate citizens such as WLBL, we will be able improve our water facilities and distribution in key areas. This cheque of US$90,000.00 will go a long way in setting up water sustainability in La Haut and we take this opportunity to thank WLBL for their continued support”.
Dr. Horst Vogel, Programme Director of GIZ, expressed his personal delight and GIZ’s appreciation about the partnership between WLBL, WASCO and GIZ. He also conveyed his trust that this first tripartite cooperation to improve water security in the southern area, i.e. La Haut village, will just set the stage for many similar follow-on projects. After all, he said, where there is cooperation, there is development and progress!