A contract recently signed between WASCO and the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund will improve the water supply to the La Croix Maingot community.

The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) has signed a contract with the Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) to complete a three-month water supply enhancement project in the community of Perou, La Croix Maingot.

Perou has traditionally been faced with an unsteady water supply due to several factors including its topography.

It was identified for intervention under the seventh cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Program administered by the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF).

The BNTF 7, a collaboration between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL), undertakes poverty reduction interventions in three targeted sectors namely Education and Human Resource Development (Youth at Risk); Access and Drainage; and Water and Sanitation.

Executive Director of the SSDF, Joachim Henry said: “We know that this need existed for a long time, and we are happy that we can now sign the contract to see the commencement of this water project. It involves the establishment of 0.5km of four-inch water mains and of course a number of households will be connected to this line. In addition, we will conduct customary training exercises to impress upon the beneficiaries the importance of water. Water is a very precious commodity that we should not waste. The capacity building component of the project is in an attempt to have a sustainable water project here in this community.”

The Skills Training component of the project comprises water resource, maintenance, and waste management training for 25 residents of Perou.

Minister for Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment the Hon. Harold Dalsan said: “The total country allocation for the water and sanitation improvement sector is EC$3, 222, 063, and the contribution by the Government of Saint Lucia is EC$161,131. There are five projects that have been earmarked for this intervention by the CDB. One project which is very necessary is the George Charles Boulevard Public Facility in Marchand. Also, the Ravine Poisson Public Facility is in dire need of attention. There is also this project here in Perou, the Bouton to Colombette water supply enhancement, and the improvement of the water supply in Canaries.”

The allocation for the Perou, La Croix Maingot water supply enhancement sub-project is EC$308,404 including a contribution of EC$15, 420 by the Government of Saint Lucia.

The project is the first water and sanitation improvement sub-project of the BNTF 7 to reach implementation stage.