On Sunday, August 23, the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO), in partnership with the Government of Saint Lucia, commenced work to upgrade the northern pipeline between the Bonne Terre Gap and Gros Islet Town Gap.
This project will replace the existing 14-inch cast iron main, which has been in place since the early 1980s to convey water from Castries to Gros Islet, with a new 20-inch ductile iron pipeline.
According to a WASCO official, the current main has reached the end of its service life, leading to frequent leaks and affecting the company’s ability to supply sufficient water to the region. This phase continues the upgrade of the northern transmission main, building on the works completed in 2022.
The construction is being coordinated with Phase One of the Sir Julian R. Hunte Highway and Secondary Roads Improvement Project (Monchy to Gros Islet), ensuring the alignment of the new pipeline with the road design.
Motorists and pedestrians may experience lane restrictions and temporary traffic management along the corridor during the construction period. The public is encouraged to use alternative routes when possible and to allow extra time for their journeys.
WASCO expresses gratitude to residents, businesses, and the traveling public for their patience and cooperation as we work towards a more reliable water supply for the north.
To recap, the upgrade of the 14-inch main between Bonne Terre and Gros Islet began in May 2021, with the first phase covering the section between the Bonne Terre Bridge and the Mongiraud Gap. This section was successfully replaced with a 20-inch ductile iron pipe in 2022.
WASCO is now undertaking the final phase of the upgrade, covering 1.1 kilometers between the Bonne Terre Gap and the Gros Islet Town Gap.
Upon completion, the entire length of the main will have been upgraded to a consistent 20-inch diameter, enhancing transmission capacity and strengthening the reliability of the water network. This project is part of three major water infrastructure initiatives currently underway in the north, which also includes the John Compton Dam Raw Water Pipeline Replacement Project, involving approximately five kilometers of new transmission pipeline, and the rehabilitation of the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant.
Collectively, these initiatives represent a significant investment in improving critical water infrastructure in the region.