Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has called on Saint Lucians to embrace water harvesting as a practical and immediate response to the country’s ongoing water challenges, while acknowledging that restoring the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) will require significant investment and time.
Speaking on the issue at a recent pre cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister revealed that WASCO will need an estimated $200 million to be fully rehabilitated, describing the figure as unavoidable given the scale of the problems facing the utility. He cautioned that the situation cannot be resolved overnight, stressing that long-term solutions must go hand in hand with individual and community action.
“We need, possibly about $200 million to get WASCO back on its feet. That’s reality,” the Prime Minister said, noting the financial burden involved in modernising and stabilising the national water system.
In the meantime, Pierre urged a stronger national push towards rainwater harvesting, drawing a clear distinction between merely storing water and actively collecting rainwater for everyday use. While existing regulations require households to have water storage, he argued that this does not go far enough in addressing the country’s water insecurity.
“The rules now say you must have water storage, but there’s a big difference between water storage and water harvesting… I want to implore solutions to begin water harvesting,” he noted, calling for a shift in mindset among homeowners adding that rain remains a valuable and often underused resource.
As part of the government’s efforts to encourage this transition, Pierre confirmed that taxes have already been removed on key equipment needed for water collection. These include pumps and water tanks, and he indicated that further removal of taxes may be on the way that exists on gutterings.
The Prime Minister placed Saint Lucia’s water challenges within a broader global context, warning that climate change and shifting weather patterns are contributing to drier conditions worldwide.
“The situation is not only a local situation, it’s a world wide situation. The earth is getting drier,” he warned.
From personal experience, Pierre shared that water harvesting is already a key part of his own household’s water supply. “Most of the [water] I have in my house is harvested water from the roof.”
He encouraged citizens to take a closer look at their homes and consider simple, achievable steps to reduce their dependence on WASCO.
“When you go to your home tonight, look at the guttering at your house and see how you can save some water in a tank,” the Prime Minister urged, suggesting that harvested water can be used for flushing toilets and washing vehicles.
Pierre reminded the public that while the government continues to work on repairing and upgrading WASCO, immediate relief will not come quickly.
“WASCO will not be repaired tomorrow,” he said, emphasising that collective action and personal responsibility are essential in navigating the country’s water challenges.
