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Long-delayed project finally gets off the ground… TiRocher water to flow by year’s end!

By Kingsley Emmanuel

RESIDENTS of Ti- Rocher, Micoud are expected to have a regular supply of pipe-borne water on a daily basis by year-end.

That’s according to the General Manager of the Water and Sewerage Company Inc (WASCO), Edmund Regis.

Regis was at the time addressing a sod-turning ceremony on Wednesday to formalise the commencement of the Ti-Rocher/Micoud Water Project.

The project will see pipes connected from the Ti- Rocher water tank to the Micoud Water Treatment Plant.

The Ti- Rocher Water Supply Project started approximately nine years ago, despite being conceptualised since 2002 by the former parliamentary representative of the area, the late Arsene James.

Funding for the project was secured mainly from Taiwan and WASCO.

As part of the project, land was secured to place a water tank in the area which cost $432,000.

A further $1,344,747.72 was allocated for the installation of the pipelines, fittings, pumps and other infrastructural cost.

Regis described the occasion as “a bitter-sweet one”, since the person who was behind the project recently passed away.

“This project has a long history of disappointments and delays which began in 2002. However, I am indeed happy that we have finally making Hon. Arsene James’ dream come to life, even in his absence,” Regis said, adding that James never gave up on making his dream a reality.

As it relates to the cost of the project, Regis said: “Our initial cost estimates for this project was $2.021 million dollars, but with the passage of time the cost has virtually doubled from an original $2 million to $3.56 million — an increase of $1.5 million.”

“That additional cost increase will be borne by WASCO,” he added.

He said WASCO is ready, willing and able to execute this project to make the dreams of the late MP a reality.

Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative of Micoud South, Prime Minster Allen Chastanet, in his brief remarks, lamented the passing of the former parliamentary representative of the area, who he said tried his best to ensure the project started.

He said all of James’ projects were people-centred, adding that he had a profound interest in the community which he represented.

According to the prime minister, the project will be of immense benefit to the community, so its residents should appreciate it.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of WASCO, Francis Denbow, said the company has worked very hard to ensure the projected get started.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Resources Ezechiel Joseph said: “The project will improve the livelihood of residence. They will benefit from a reliable supply of water…”

He said he too regretted that the project has taken so long to get off the ground.

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