Saint Lucians in the north of the island who have been enduring months of delays in their water supply from the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) have been told to be patient because WASCO is aware of the problem and is working to remedy it as soon as possible.
“We understand exactly how people feel, and I think it’s important for them to know that we do,” CEO Zilta George-Leslie said in an interview with the National Television Network (NTN).
The interview was done by a WASCO employee.
“I think when the public begins to understand the age of the infrastructure and the challenges that we face, it may be a lot easier for them to be a little more patient,” she said.
So, how is WASCO handling the situation?
“There’s a number of things that has to happen and I think we’re specifically talking about the north of the island because in the south over the past couple of years, WASCO has done a lot of improvements,” George-Leslie said.
WASCO is dealing with major issues in the north due to a severely compromised raw water pipeline. (The main source of water comes from the John Compton Dam which serves around 60% of the population.)
However, WASCO recognizes the gravity of the situation. “Because… it prevents persons from operating and having their normal activities as they would like,” she said.
Due to this, “We have decided that we are going to replace five kilometres of that pipeline but what we can’t do is just get up and do the replacements,” says the Chief Executive Officer.
WASCO, meanwhile, is maintaining the pipeline.
“Every time we have to maintain the pipeline, we need to shut down the entire system to the north. Babonneau’s water supply comes from the Hill 20 system (hence the region is not affected). “We’re talking about everybody, from as far as Millet through Cap Estate,” she stated.
Once the pipeline is replaced “The situation, of course, will improve,” George-Leslie added.
The Theobalds Treatment Plant in Ciceron will also be improved.
“The Theobalds Treatment Plant was last upgraded in 2007 so it’s been a long time since we have done any upgrades there. What we are finding is that we have a lot of frequent backwashing because the filters have become aged. Due to that we have now recognised the need to do an upgrade at the treatment plant as well,” she said.
“Once we are able to complete the replacement of that five kilometres of pipeline, we do the Theobalds Treatment Plant… so we would have a greater capacity to treat a lot more water and… once we do the northern pipeline replacement which would be from the Key Largo junction… all the way through to Gros Islet (that pipeline is also severely compromised)… it will definitely improve the water supply to the northern region,” George-Leslie said.