Staff writer
With the development of new hotels in the Federation and the pressing need for water for residents, the government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to promote water development to satisfy tourist needs and boost the economy.
Ian ‘Patches’ Liburd, Minister of Public Infrastructure, said a number of hotels that are not yet under construction are using a desalination plant that generates 1.5 million gallons of water daily to satisfy the needs of their guest
Mr. Liburd said, ‘There is a major hotel under construction and they are looking at reverse osmosis (to meet their needs).’ He made his remarks in response to a question at the Prime Minister’s monthly press conference Monday, May 30.
The reporter’s question dealt with the construction of new hotels and the anticipated dry spell the Federation may face over the next two years. Liburd said the Cabinet has considered the possible relocation and retrofitting of a desalination plant that has laid idle for the past seven years.
He told reporters the facility cost the government over EC$7 million. He also revealed that a site in East Basseterre is under consideration as a possible new location for the plant. If it became operational, it would help the government’s efforts to change to the 24-hoour water period in St. Kitts and Nevis. Over the past year, the Federation and other Caribbean islands in the district have been affected by a drought.
To maintain a steady flow of water to everyone in the Federation, the Water Department is implementing a system of water rationing, with water being turned off during specific times of the day, especially in the evening hours. This rationing will continue even though the government expects a good rainfall in the coming months.
