GOVERNMENT ADVANCES STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO WATER SCARCITY IN ST. PETER’S

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, May 26, 2026 (SKNIS): The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to take proactive and strategic action to address ongoing water scarcity challenges affecting communities across the island, particularly residents in St. Peter’s and surrounding areas, as the Federation experiences an unusually severe dry season.

Water Engineer, Cromwell Williams, speaking during a site visit with Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, earlier today, May 26, stated that a new water line has now been installed to strengthen the island’s water distribution network and improve the supply of water to St. Peter’s.

“We have just installed a new water line that will bring water from one of our pumps in the Basseterre Valley area that will be able to send additional water up to St. Peter’s,” Mr. Williams explained. “This is something that we have been working on for some time.”

He noted that the project forms part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving water resilience during periods of drought and reduced rainfall. Crews are currently completing stabilisation work on the pipeline by reinforcing sections with concrete to ensure the infrastructure can withstand the pressure generated once water begins flowing through the system.

“We’ll give the concrete a day or two to harden, and then we’ll be able to actually put water onto this pipeline and send additional water up to St. Peter’s,” he stated.

Mr. Williams further emphasised that the Federation is presently experiencing one of the driest periods in recent years. Data from the Meteorological Office indicates that rainfall in April measured only 1.5 inches — which is 62.5 percent less than the normal average of approximately four inches.

“This is shaping up to be a bit of an extensive dry period,” he said. “Because we are in the height of the dry season, we are receiving less water from our surface sources, especially the Greenhill source, which supplies the upper parts of St. Peter’s and nearby communities.”

Prime Minister Drew said the current situation underscores the importance of the government’s continued investments in water infrastructure and climate resilience initiatives.

“Rainfall in April has dropped significantly as a result of changing weather patterns and climate change,” Prime Minister Drew stated. “That is why this government has invested so heavily in water infrastructure. Nearly EC$100 million has been invested within a short period because it was predicted that climate change could create challenges like these.”

The prime minister assured residents that the government recognises the seriousness of the situation and has been implementing proactive measures to safeguard water access for citizens and residents.

“We have not allowed this issue to continue without a significant proactive strategic response, and this project will help significantly,” Dr. Drew said. 

Prime Minister Drew also encouraged the public to play an active role in water conservation during the ongoing dry season.

“I continue to encourage our people to conserve as much water as possible and to use water wisely because it is a precious resource,” he added.

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