WASCO’s Major Systems Set for Over USD 4 Million Upgrades

Saint Lucia’s key water utility provider -the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) – is set to execute over USD 4 million in vital rehabilitation projects to two of its primary water systems, marking a significant phase of transformative efforts to enhance the reliability of the island’s water supply.

WASCO has pinpointed three essential projects focused on strengthening the island’s infrastructure, particularly in the north.

A loan of USD 4,233,750 has been procured from the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), with robust support from the Government of Saint Lucia through the Ministry of Finance, to effectively address longstanding challenges from aging infrastructure at Theobalds Water Treatment Plant. Extensive rehabilitation works will commence in the coming months, as confirmed by a WASCO spokesperson.

At the official signing ceremony, WASCO’s CEO, Zilta George Leslie, provided a clear justification for securing the loan to upgrade the outdated filters at Theobalds Water Treatment Plant. The current system requires excessive water for backwashing, which drastically lowers the volume available for consumer distribution and compromises the utility’s ability to meet the rising demand.

“This plant, constructed in 1993 and expanded in 2007 to a total capacity of 10.8 million gallons per day, faces significant operational challenges due to its aging infrastructure,” Leslie stated.

She added, “Six of the ten filters are malfunctioning due to corroded components and outdated materials, leading to reliance on an inefficient water-only backwashing and resulting in increased water loss and diminished treatment capacity.”

Leslie highlighted that the system’s challenges are exacerbated by climate change, with extreme rainfall creating more turbid water while droughts restrict raw water availability.

Consequently, Theobalds Treatment Plant is operating at roughly 40% efficiency, which is inadequate to satisfy the growing demand in rapidly developing service areas.

Restoration to full capacity is imperative. The incorporation of a USD 670,000 technical assistance grant will facilitate the installation of energy-efficient equipment at the Treatment Plant, provide training for vulnerable communities, establish rainwater harvesting systems, and enhance water security.

While the upgrades to Theobalds Water Treatment Plant, scheduled for completion over 18 months, will ensure a more consistent water supply to the north, Leslie emphasized that comprehensive service improvements will materialize only after the execution of two additional critical infrastructure projects.

She made it clear that while these upgrades will yield increased water volumes, additional loan funding has been allocated for two primary projects, including the repair of a five-kilometre pipe upgrade from Millet to Vanard.

WASCO is actively negotiating with multiple entities to install two kilometres of pipeline in the northern region, spanning from the Bonne Terre gap to the Gros Islet gap.

In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), Rodinald Soomer, underscored that this strategic collaboration with the Government of Saint Lucia and WASCO epitomizes the Institution’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development across its member states.

“Since our inception in 2008, the CDF has supported initiatives that promote equitable growth, cohesion, and resilience across the Caribbean region,” Soomer stated.

“Investing in the Patience and Theobalds Water systems enables the CDF to directly contribute to climate adaptation, public health enhancement, and social sustainability,” he asserted.

Soomer further noted, “Improved infrastructure will minimize service disruptions, bolster disaster-preparedness initiatives, and support agriculture and tourism—two critical pillars of Saint Lucia’s economy.”

He emphasized, “This investment aligns with the CDF’s strategic goals to foster inclusive development and mitigate disparities within our member states.”

Soomer expressed satisfaction with the investment in these crucial water infrastructure upgrades, essential for advancing balanced and sustainable growth in Saint Lucia and beyond.

A company spokesperson remarked that WASCO is appreciative of the funding, which transforms ambitious plans into actionable improvements.

With these meaningful changes on the horizon, WASCO is poised to achieve its mission of strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring long-term sustainability for communities across Saint Lucia.