In an effort to effectively manage the effects of extreme weather and natural disasters, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) along with USAID is providing climate-related training to Saint Lucia’s water sector personnel.

The training will strengthen WASCO’s resource capacity, and improve the company’s network management and service delivery.

Over the last 18 months, the OECS Secretariat has been assisting WASCO in improving its efficiency via computer-based mapping technology and personnel training.

 David Popo, from the OECS Commission’s Social Sustainable Development Division, said the workshop is integral because of Saint Lucia’s dependence on fresh water sources.

“The RRACC project (Reducing Risk to Human and Natural Assets Resulting from Climate Change) carries out climate change adaptation actions, especially within productive sectors like tourism and agriculture with a focus on fresh water and coastal resources,” Mr. Popo said. “In this regard, the project will build an enabling environment in support of policies and legislation to reduce vulnerability.” 

The Strategic Planning Information Officer for WASCO, Nikolai Hyacinth, said the workshop is essential in order to properly manage the island’s water systems.

“I do hope that this three-day workshop will make the water sector in Saint Lucia a more cohesive unit, thereby making us more resilient to disasters in their extremes of drought or flood.”

The workshop on Hydro-Climatic Disasters in Integrated Water Resources Management runs from July 8-10.

In addition to WASCO personnel, various government agencies working in water resources management will also be beneficiaries of the workshop.