CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - THE Nevis Water Department is operating in the red as it continues to supply the life-saving commodity to citizens and residents at a very low cost when compared with some other territories in the Caribbean region.
That disclosure came on World Water Day (Mar. 22) by Minister with Responsibility for the sector, Spencer Brand.
In his speech to recognise the day, the Minister explained that despite the recent increase in the price of water a few years ago, the price offered in Nevis, when compared with other Caribbean jurisdictions, is among the lowest.
“This is not to say that we would be increasing the price of water in the near future, but rather to make the point that it is a challenge to produce and maintain the supply of water at the current prices offered,” noted Brand.
Providing an analysis of the revenue and expenditure for water development and treatment over a number of years, Minster Brand said, “…for three years the Nevis Water Department collected $5.684 million in 2018, $6.488 million in 2019 and $5.544 million in 2020. However, the department spent a total of $11.326 million in 2018, $8.102 million in 2019, and $8.128 million in 2020 excluding the electricity costs.”
Despite that though, the Department has continued to provide for the demand of water on the island with the necessary subsidies remaining in place.
“The construction of reservoirs, the drilling and the installation of production water wells, the construction and installation of a new water treatment plant, the regular testing of the quality of water to meet [World Health Organisation] WHO standards, the management of our water resources, the distribution and maintenance of the water system all come at a cost which we must not take for granted. In light of this, we should therefore place a high intrinsic value to water,” explained Brand.
Moreover, in highlighting the importance of the life-saving commodity, the Minister reminded that water is also essential for food security as farmers, households and backyard gardeners have to use it as the main input in food production.
The construction sector is another area that the Minister pointed to as being dependent on water. “The point is that water must be given a high value from all angles because our very livelihood, overall well-being and life depend on this finite commodity.”
“The implication of these factors presented so far in this message is that we must congratulate, cooperate and support all the dedicated and hard-working men and women that labour every day for 24 hours to ensure that an adequate and safe supply of water is provided for our population,” he added.
