BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MINISTER of Water Ian Liburd has revealed that his Department had found traces of salt water in the Basseterre Aquifer, and as such the Government is making moves to find alternative sources for distribution to residents.
He explained that resulting from the find, plans are afoot to drill new wells outside of the Basseterre area.
“We have also taken a decision to spend US$60,000 to find two new wells north of the airport in the Bayford/Ogees Ghaut area. So while we are experiencing the problems, we are taking actions to find additional water around.”
This revelation came yesterday (Feb. 24) while the Minister was making a presentation at the launching of Earth Week.
According to Liburd, salt water in the aquifer is a result of the rainfall deficit that the Federation is currently facing.
He disclosed that the Government would be spending heavily to run pipes in several areas so that water will be available for consumption.
“What we are doing as a Government as it relates to supply of water, is that we have decided to spend some $600,000 on the installation of pipes from the Mansion Well right down into Saddlers in Constituency Number Six, so that we can alleviate that problem.”
St. Kitts and Nevis has seen decreasing levels of rainfall over the last two years, which resulted in decreases in the surface and ground water being pumped.
In 2015, the Water Services Department instituted a period of rationing in Basseterre and several outlying areas.
Currently, St. Kitts and Nevis is under drought watch by the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency (CEDMA), which warned that the dry spells could last until mid-Ayear.
