BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Meteorological Office at the RLB International Airport has reported that citizens and residents would soon have much relief from the drought-like condition that has been plaguing St. Kitts and Nevis over the last 12 months.
Minister with Responsibility for Water, the Hon. Ian Liburd told Members of Parliament at a sitting of the National Assembly yesterday (Apr. 27), that forecast for the short term would see St. Kitts and Nevis experiencing significant rainfall for the period May to June before another a dry spell kicks in between July to September.
He however noted that the rainfall levels are expected to return to normalcy in October.
“This may mean the continuation of rationing into the late rainy season or perhaps up to September,” Liburd said.
Last year, Agriculture and other sectors of the Federation’s economy was significantly impacted by the prolonged drought-like condition which saw large scale water rationing in low-lying areas, spreading to the mountainous sections of St. Kitts.
The government had instituted water rationing in the evenings and, to some extent, several hours in the mornings and afternoons.
This prompted the government to spend hefty sums of money to drill new wells and run pipes lines around the island to funnel water to affected communities.
According to Liburd, the levels of rainfall forecast for mid-year would assist during the active period where the Federation would be hosting its premier musical event.
“However, the rainfall amounts that are predicted in June will allow us to give some reprieve during the Music Festival and allow us to suspend rationing during that week.”
Liburd noted that the Lodge-Phillips-Molineaux areas had remained vulnerable to supply interruptions more than most communities in St. Kitts, but the Water Services Department had installed a “higher flow” pump into the Lodge area, adding that it has provided reliable supply to residents there.
Meanwhile, several experts in the area of Osmosis are expected in the Federation today to assist with the La Valle plant.
“Some technicians will arrive on island tomorrow (today) to examine the reverse osmosis or desalination plant which is lying idle at La Velle for almost 10 years. Technicians will finally examine these plants (and) will advise us on retrofitting and relocation to a site already identified in Basseterre.”
Liburd pointed out that if all goes well an additional 1.9 million gallons of water could be added to what is already being provided.
He said the project would take about six to nine months for completion.
