In response to ongoing concerns about water supply among government officials, business owners, and citizens, the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) is poised to undertake significant projects aimed at enhancing its operations.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, WASCO’s technicians outlined upcoming initiatives designed to ensure a reliable and efficient water supply for consumers across the island.
Key projects are underway as the company seeks to improve the overall quality of service. WASCO plans to implement several major water supply and infrastructure redevelopment projects throughout Saint Lucia to address aging networks, reduce water loss, and mitigate drought vulnerabilities.
Among these, the Northern Pipeline Project—stretching from Bonne Terre to Gros Islet—will be a primary focus, marking a significant upgrade for the northern community. Beginning in August, WASCO will replace the existing 40-year-old pipeline.
With contracts signed for the supervising consultant and contractor, site staking and boundary surveys are complete, and construction is scheduled to commence. “The new pipeline will offset the existing one, which will remain in place during the construction period,” stated Maurice Norville, WASCO’s Head of the Project Unit.
He assured residents, “There should be no significant disruption to the current water supply.”
The project is expected to reach completion by the end of this year, with consumers updated about the transition and operational changes. The new system will involve a 20-inch ductile iron pipeline, replacing the outdated 14-inch cast-iron pipeline originally installed in the early 1980s.
In addition to the Northern Pipeline Project, WASCO will also focus on the John Compton Dam (JCD) Raw Water Pipeline Rehabilitation project.
Other key initiatives include:
– Theobalds Water Supply Project:
With an estimated cost of USD 5 million funded through the CARICOM Development Fund and the Ministry of Finance, this project aims for a 15-month completion timeline ending in December 2027.
It includes the rehabilitation of the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant, with upgrades to aged filters and the integration of solar-powered energy systems to restore full treatment capacity.
– Patience Water Supply Redevelopment Project (Mon Repos):
This project will enhance the raw water intake, install a climate-resilient packaged treatment plant, and upgrade distribution infrastructure. It is partly funded through approximately $2 million from the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF). Civil works and structural intake are complete, with the new treatment plant unit expected to arrive from Europe by September 2026.
Terrel Victor, WASCO technician presented on the operational updates , the Supply Management Schedule , and rotation of water supply to meet the demands of businesses and residents.
WASCO is committed to enhancing its service delivery and ensuring that residents have access to a reliable water supply.