Government Increases Water Budget Allocation to Address Ongoing Water Shortages

Basseterre, St. Kitts –

The proposed allocation for the 2025 fiscal year is set to increase as the government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to make meaningful and strategic investments to address the ongoing water shortages brought about by climate change.

Increased Budget Allocation

During his contribution to the 2025 Budget Debate on December 19, 2024, the Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for the Water Services Department (WSD), presented figures to the National Assembly that highlighted the government’s strong commitment to expanding water access for communities across the island.

According to Minister Maynard, the budget allocation for 2022 was a paltry $8.5 million, despite the growing water challenges that affected the population. However, the budget for 2023 increased significantly after Minister Maynard assumed office in August 2022, and in 2024, it was increased to $38.6 million. For 2025, the government is proposing a further increase to $44.2 million, a 400% increase in the water budget since taking office two years ago.

Key Initiatives

Other key steps taken by the ministry include:

* Reinstating the Water Advisory Board which was dormant for many years
* Establishing a 24-hour water hotline service
* Drilling for new underground sources of water
* Discovery and commissioning of a new well at Cayon, which has significantly reduced the decades-long challenges faced by that community

Future Plans

Minister Maynard further informed that a one (1) million-gallon water storage facility will be constructed in Cayon. Additionally, a drone-based airborne geophysical survey is underway to identify new and unexplored areas for underground water services. Further, old pipes were replaced on the northern side of St. Kitts, two desalination plants are under construction, and a treatment plant will be constructed in Shadwell to treat the water.

Conclusion

The government’s increased budget allocation for the 2025 fiscal year demonstrates its commitment to addressing the ongoing water shortages in St. Kitts and Nevis. With a range of initiatives already underway and future plans in place, the government is working to ensure that residents have access to a reliable and sustainable water supply.

FAQs

* Q: What is the proposed budget allocation for the 2025 fiscal year?
A: The proposed budget allocation is $44.2 million, a 400% increase since taking office two years ago.
* Q: What are some of the key initiatives taken by the Water Services Department?
A: The department has reinstated the Water Advisory Board, established a 24-hour water hotline service, drilled for new underground sources of water, and commissioned a new well at Cayon.
* Q: What are some of the future plans for the Water Services Department?
A: The department plans to construct a one (1) million-gallon water storage facility in Cayon, conduct a drone-based airborne geophysical survey to identify new and unexplored areas for underground water services, replace old pipes, and construct desalination plants and a treatment plant in Shadwell.