Basseterre, St. Kitts, (SKNIS): During the April 9 edition of ‘The Roundtable,’ the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, discussed several initiatives the government is taking to address the pressing water issue.
In his explanation of the water problem, Prime Minister Drew said that the water shortage problem is not unique to the Federation, noting that several other Caribbean islands have been experiencing this issue.
He highlighted studies showing that the water crisis is a result of decreased rainfall, linked to climate change. “The climate change that has always been spoken about is upon us and we have to make sure that we adapt to the change,” said the Honourable Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew explained that the government is temporarily deploying water trucks to areas impacted by the water crisis as an interim solution, while comprehensive projects aimed at resolving the issue are finalised.
These developments include the completion of the well in Cayon, addressing the issue in Shadwell, and the development of a desalination plant in Keys.
Prime Minister Drew also discussed the establishment of a water tank factory within the Federation.
“A local private company has approached the government and NHC and put together an agreement so that the private company can make the investments in these water tanks which will see a significant drop in the price for the tanks and also that company envisage that it will be able to sell these tanks to the OECS as well,” he said.