By Caribbean News Global contributor
ST GEORGES, Grenada – Prime minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, has commended the continued improvements to the operation of and services provided by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) over the years, says a gov.gd report.
Amidst ongoing projects to develop and expand the country’s water network, NAWASA recently commissioned its new corporate headquarters, for the visionary leadership in bringing the project to fruition. Prime minister, Dr Mitchell also recognised the patience and dedication of NAWASA staff as they endured less than ideal working conditions over the years.
“NAWASA’s progress has been slow and steady over the years. What you witness today in terms of the level of service provided, comes as a result of years of dedication to growth and excellence. I have seen the progress first hand and I can attest that what we have today, represents a far cry from what we had a few decades ago. I do believe there is a clear indication of NAWASA’s commitment to continuous improvements in service to the people of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The company’s capital works budget for 2021 shows a projected investment of $14.5 million into various projects across the country, including the laying of new and replacement pipes, installation of fire hydrants, construction of roads access to water treatment facilities, and extension of the sewer network to accommodate more customers,” said Dr Mitchell.
The prime minister, a former minister of works who had responsibility for the water company in the 1980s, encouraged NAWASA to continue delivering on its mandate to meet the needs of customers across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, noted plans to expand the intake at the desalination plant in Carriacou, a project that will bring tremendous relief to residents there who have experienced significant challenges with water supply over the years.
According to the government report, another major initiative currently underway for NAWASA is the $125 million Green Climate Fund project, which is the single largest investment in the island’s water sector to date; meanwhile, the government of Grenada is also making a significant contribution to this project which will bring significant upgrades to the country’s water system.
“Though the bulk of the financing for the project comes from the GCF, government is also making a sizeable contribution of $12.5 million. This clearly demonstrates our recognition of the need to support further improvement in NAWASA’s service and at the same time, the wisdom in embracing an opportunity to build resilience into Grenada’s water supply system,” to which Dr Mitchell underscored the role of the public in ensuring that NAWASA continues to be a successful run operation and appealed for the timely payment of bills.
The prime minister also cited continued instances of wastage, particularly at public standpipes, and encouraged more responsibility in the use of this particular amenity – and referenced a decision by Cabinet some years ago to reduce standpipes by ensuring more persons have direct access to water at home.
Prime minister Dr Mitchell suggested that “the time may be right for another collaborative effort to further reduce the number of standpipes in operation across the country.”
