St Lucia’s water supply alarmingly low

The Saint Lucian government is so worried by its water shortage that it is considering emergency measures to mitigate the problem.

Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph who has responsibility for the water sector made the disclosure. The Water and Sewerage Company indicated that it is facing major challenges in managing its water supply amidst current drought conditions.

Joseph explained that this year is worse compared to previous years. “This year we are realizing the level at the John Compton Dam is much lower earlier,” he said. “In fact what they are saying that in previous years where we had experienced this type of situation, it was all the way down in June, July.”

He revealed that at a stakeholders meeting to discuss the options, the effect on agriculture was among the issues considered.

“While we are mindful of feeding ourselves during the COVID environment we are operating under, there’s also that challenge of a drought – a serious drought affecting Saint Lucia,” Joseph said.