Saint Lucia may declaration water emergency

The Saint Lucia Cabinet is considering a proposal to declare a water emergency, it has been announced.

Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph, who has responsibility for the water sectorr, made the disclosure Monday.

Last week the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) indicated that it is facing major challenges in managing its water supply amidst current drought conditions.

Minister Joseph explained that this year is worse compared to previous years.

“This year we are realizing the level at the John Compton Dam is much lower earlier,” he said.

“In fact what they are saying that in previous years where we had experienced this type of situation, it was all the way down in June, July – we’re in April-May and that‘s when we are experiencing it, so they are now on the authorities to consider a state of emergency.”

He revealed that at a stakeholders meeting last week to discuss the options, the effect on agriculture was among the issues considered.

Last week WASCO  announced that it had lost about six feet of water from the John Compton Dam in March and to date, in the last two months, about 12 feet of water.

The company disclosed that the maximum level – about 333 feet above sea level,  has now dwindled to 321 feet.

The John Compton Dam is WASCO’s main water source.