The Government of Saint Lucia has signed two significant financing agreements with the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) that will see major improvements to portable water supply around the island.
The first agreement provides US$4.2 million in concessional financing for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Theobalds Water Supply System. This investment is expected to restore full treatment capacity, introduce solar-powered energy systems, and modernize key operational components to improve service delivery.
The second agreement secures supplementary financing of US$781,000 for the Patience Water Supply Project, targeting long-standing water challenges in underserved southeast communities. The Patience Water System services 10 communities, and, when completed, this improved water system is expected to satisfy an increase in daily consumption demand from 60 gallons to 80 gallons per person. The CDF initially provided loan financing of US$1.2 million for the rehabilitation of the Patience Water Treatment System, so this total concessional loan financing for this project now increases to almost US$2 million.
In addition to these loan instruments, Saint Lucia has secured US$670,000 in grant support, which will fund rainwater harvesting systems, renewable energy installations at the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant, and public education campaigns focused on climate adaptation and water use.
Coupled with the financing for the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant, which is a newly approved project, the total of CDF’s financing for water infrastructure in St. Lucia reaches almost US$7 million. These initiatives are expected to massively improve water security for over 45,000 people in communities including Mon Repos, Patience, Praslin, La Pointe, Malgretoute, Millet, Vanard, Babonneau, Dennery, Castries, Gros Islet, and Cap Estate.
Zilta George-Leslie is the CEO of WASCO. “WASCO’s capacity to address and to remedy these challenges within our existing infrastructure has been hindered by the lack of financial resources necessary to fund these upgrades. However, through the awarding of US $4.233 million loan from the CARICOM Development Fund backed by the Government of Saint Lucia through the Ministry of Finance, WASCO can now get down to the business of rehabilitating the Theobalds’s treatment plant.
The CEO of the CARICOM Development Fund Rodinald Soomer, says the investment aligns closely with the CDF’s strategic goals and regional mandate to foster inclusive development and reduce disparities among and within our Member States. He went on to say that The CDF is pleased to be able to respond to the urgent need to invest in these water infrastructure upgrades, which are so critical to advancing balanced and sustainable growth and development in St. Lucia and the wider region.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre emphasized the importance supporting the island’s water company. The Prime Minister went on the reveal that discussions are ongoing with the Caribbean Development Bank as it relates to further developing St. Lucia’s water management and supply.