The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has embarked on a new phase of two transformative projects aimed at improving the water supply for residents and businesses in both the northern and southeastern regions of Saint Lucia.
In response to longstanding challenges affecting the north, particularly stemming from aging infrastructure at the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant, WASCO will begin extensive rehabilitation efforts in the coming months. The Plant, which was originally constructed in 1993 and expanded in 2007 to a capacity of 10.8 million gallons per day, is currently operating at 40% efficiency. Corroded components and outdated materials have severely impacted filtration and treatment cycles, leading to excessive water loss and compromised output. These issues have only intensified due to climate-related events, with extreme rainfall producing more turbid water and droughts limiting raw water availability.
Thanks to a USD 4,233,750 loan from the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), secured with the support of the Government of Saint Lucia through the Ministry of Finance, WASCO now has the resources needed to restore the Treatment Plant at Ciceron to its original capacity. A supplementary technical assistance grant of USD 670,000 will enable the installation of energy-efficient and renewable equipment at the facility. Vulnerable communities will also benefit from targeted support through rainwater harvesting systems and specialized training initiatives.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, WASCO’s CEO Zilta George Leslie noted that once commissioned, these upgrades are expected to be completed within an 18-month period, ensuring a more consistent supply to domestic customers and commercial entities in the north. She cautioned, however, “Full service improvements will only be realized after the completion of two additional infrastructure upgrades - the installation of a 2km pipeline from the Bonne Terre Gap to the Gros Islet Gap, and the rehabilitation of a 5km pipeline from Millet to Vanard.” She assured the gathering that, “Funding for these projects is actively being pursued to fully stabilize the water supply to the north of the island.” George-Leslie went on to express the Company’s gratitude for this financial injection. “With strong support from the CDF and the Government of Saint Lucia, we are turning ambitious plans into actionable improvements. We also extend sincere thanks to our consumers for their patience and understanding. We assure you that positive changes are underway."
WASCO continues work on the Patience Water Supply Redevelopment Project, another CDF-funded initiative valued at USD 1,984,717. This project targets enhanced water access for Mon Repos and surrounding communities through the installation of a climate-resilient packaged treatment plant and updated distribution infrastructure. Excavation work has already begun, with an estimated completion window of eight months, pending favorable weather conditions.
These infrastructure upgrades support WASCO’s broader mission to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance climate resilience, and ensure long-term sustainability for communities across Saint Lucia.
