Acknowledging growing frustration among the public over the reliability of the water supply in Saint Lucia, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says the government has taken a “decisive position” to review the entire administration of WASCO.
The move follows a recent statement by the Prime Minister that government would “keep a close eye” on the company.
While the review is underway, Cabinet has established a committee to work with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank to develop what he described as “an appropriate” public-private partnership (PPP) framework for WASCO.
Such a framework typically addresses long-standing challenges within organisations, especially underinvestment, inefficiencies, losses and limited capacity to deliver reliable services.
At the same time, several long-delayed water projects are expected to move forward during the new financial year.
Among them is the Patience Water Supply Project, which is scheduled for completion in September 2026. The $5.35 million project is expected to provide water to approximately 4,700 residents in the Micoud area.
The Prime Minister also said the pipeline from Bonne Terre to northern Gros Islet is set for a major upgrade. Financing is secured, a contract signed, and work is expected to begin soon.
Further south, the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant is slated for rehabilitation works to restore its production capacity to 10 million gallons per day. The project, valued at $13.64 million, is being financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with contractor procurement currently underway.
Plans are in place to replace a five-kilometre section of the raw water pipeline connecting the John Compton Dam to Millet and Vanard. Financing is expected from the CDB, with procurement for consulting firms underway. Construction should begin next year.
The updates come as the government faces mounting pressure to improve water reliability across the island.
Government needs to do internal audit at Wasco too. Imagine you actually paying your bill personally every month at sure pay and then Wasco saying they cutting your water because you have not paid for 6 months. Something stinks at Wasco knowing you are not the only one that is being said to. You go to sure pay and pay your flow, Lucellec, Wasco bill all at the same time. There is no problem coming from flow nor Lucellec but always we wasco. And paying every month but telling you you have not paid for 6 months which you know is impossible. Something needs to be done. Proper investigation and auditing. Why should government keep pumping so much into Wasco and nothing is being resolved but getting worse for customers, please help the public with wasvo