By Voice Reporter
The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) is taking decisive action to meet the rising demands of both commercial and residential water customers in the northern corridors of Saint Lucia.
WASCO has secured a contract for the Northern Pipeline Project, a substantial $4.5 million initiative that will replace 1.1 km of aging infrastructure with a new 20-inch ductile iron pipeline stretching from Bonne Terre to Gros Islet Town Gap. This upgrade is designed to significantly improve water pressure, reduce leakage, and enhance service reliability.
As the executing agency, WASCO is procuring top-tier consultancy services for engineering support, marking a pivotal step in the modernization of Saint Lucia’s water infrastructure.
This project is being executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with solid backing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank. A formal contract signing ceremony for the Northern Pipeline Project took place on Tuesday, April 14, at the NWU Conference Room in San Souci, Castries.
Chief Executive Officer Zilta George-Leslie underscored the transformative nature of the project for the island’s water network.
“The Northern Pipeline Project will revolutionize our water delivery to one of Saint Lucia’s key corridors,” she stated. “We are proud to be replacing approximately 1.1 km of aging infrastructure with a robust 20-inch ductile iron pipeline.”
She elaborated that the new system will replace a 14-inch cast-iron pipeline that has been in service since the 1990s. “This upgrade will enhance pressure, minimize leakage, and provide reliable service to residents, businesses, and tourism communities in the north for decades to come,” George-Leslie affirmed.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre took the opportunity to highlight broader reforms planned for the utility company.
“We are committed to overhauling WASCO’s structure to better serve the people of Saint Lucia while ensuring the company’s sustainability,” he declared.
He pointed out that while water remains relatively affordable, sustainability is key moving forward. The Cabinet has approved a public-private partnership arrangement to support these initiatives.
“The IFC will return to Saint Lucia to assist the government in developing a solid PPP structure for WASCO,” Pierre confirmed.
The Northern Pipeline Project is poised to significantly enhance water pressure and reliability in the north, representing a vital part of a nationwide strategy to modernize water infrastructure and secure future supply.
Project Manager and Civil Engineer Pawan Joshi from Construction and Industrial Equipment Ltd., involved in the execution, acknowledged that construction might bring temporary inconveniences but asserted that measures will be implemented to minimize disruption.
“We are committed to keeping disruptions to a minimum,” Joshi stated. “We will provide advance notice regarding planning and execution of the works, aiming for timely completion.”
He assured that work schedules would be organized to reduce traffic congestion. “We will avoid peak hours to facilitate commuters and encourage the cooperation of residents, motorists, and businesses, including hotels, for the successful completion of the project,” Joshi added.
Minister for Public Utilities Keithson Charles emphasized the importance of public engagement in water conservation efforts alongside infrastructure upgrades.
“Water security is a collective responsibility,” he asserted. “As we invest significantly in WASCO, I urge all Saint Lucians to adopt rainwater harvesting practices. The government has introduced VAT exemptions on tanks, so let’s make the most of the blessings of rain.”