I first dealt with this situation in a semi fictionalised tale called ‘They Worshipped The Rain’ a story about the slow emotional and mental deterioration of a community that was promised pipe borne water by a politician. It finally ends up being a cautionary tale around the failure of political promise and our continued beholding of politicians even when they have failed us miserably.
I live in a community that was defined primarily by its lack of water and thus the announcement by the new Parliamentary Rep that there was a project dedicated to bringing in fresh borne piped water was met with joy, even from a cynic like me. By 2023, however, the hope of a shower in the comfort of home slowly dwindled as visible works stalled. Since then, nothing has been committed or communicated to residents of the western community as to the reasons why the project has stalled. Rumour and innuendo have taken root as many seek, whether for nefarious purposes or otherwise, to lay claim to knowledge others are unaware of as to the mothballing of the project.
Our water poverty is more than just an inconvenience. It stymies hygiene. It dictates when and how much laundry is done, and requires that basic acts such as bathing and cooking become logistical nightmares. Rationing becomes an intimate act for households as water becomes increasingly inaccessible.
It had become an additional expense for many who have had to put up with the uncertainty and indignity of the current situation. Many lack the finances to purchase drinking water from Massy or other sources nor are they equipped to solicit the many water trucks which service other areas but pass the community. Whilst collection of rainwater is of course a priority as it remains our only source of water, most families again lack the capability to store water at a capacity that allows for them to survive far less thrive. Watching the sky and playing is it Sahara dust or rain cloud cover is an exhausting game played during the dry season and during various parts of the wet season.
Moreover, the current drought conditions exacerbated on a day-by-day basis have continued to make the climatic impacts even worse on communities like mine. There continues to be a lack of effort in ensuring that the basic needs are met. With the increased valving and reduced supplies everywhere, especially in Soufriere which seems to be hard hit by WASCO, the alternative sources of water for those without an adequate supply, has dwindled. Furthermore, whilst the number of water trucks exiting nearby Bouton has increased, the level of attention to our community remains inadequate. Other communities have been provided with water tanks to supplement their needs whilst we who have no such luxury have been ignored without a seeming care.
The persons responsible need to articulate with none of the subtle prevarication attached to statements the current status of the water project, why it has seemingly stalled since 2023. There needs to be clarity as to what is missing to complete the project. Is it funding? Is it a lack of equipment? When can we expect a regular supply of water? Are doomed to continue in this cycle? What measures are you, the representative and other members, willing to take to ensure that residents of Colombette, Soufriere receive some level of respite from what we currently experience?
I would end by saying that in the midst of a water crisis and looming droughts that wasting huge amounts water to cool off data centres by generating AI images of ourselves in the 80’s or making AI flyers that all look the same is an exercise in futility.
Alas, we are prone to fruitless expeditions.