PM DREW HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR WATER SECURITY GAINS AS 70 PERCENT OF SAINT KITTS NOW BENEFITS FROM 24-HOUR WATER SUPPLY

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, June 26, 2026 (SKNIS): Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, has hailed his administration’s significant investments in water infrastructure, revealing that approximately 70 percent of Saint Kitts now benefits from a reliable 24-hour water supply, up from just over 20 percent when his government took office in August 2022.

Speaking during the June 25 edition of The Roundtable, Prime Minister Drew said ensuring water security quickly became a national priority after his administration discovered the extent of the country’s water challenges.

“We found projections that Saint Kitts had already started to become one of the most water-scarce countries on the planet as a result of climate change,” the prime minister said. “Had we not done what we did in terms of our water strategy, we would be out of water at this time.”

To address the issue, the government invested approximately EC$100 million in water infrastructure, including the construction of the Federation’s first public desalination plant, capable of producing two million gallons of water daily, as well as new pipelines and additional well drilling across the island.

“That desalination plant is providing two million gallons per day of water for our people,” Dr. Drew said. “It has allowed us to give the aquifer some rest, preventing over-extraction and protecting it from saltwater intrusion.”

The prime minister also highlighted the restoration of a consistent water supply to St. Peter’s through major infrastructure upgrades.

“We have invested significantly to ensure that St. Peter’s gets back to 24-hour water. For the most part, St. Peter’s is going to have 24-hour water—maybe for the first time in 30 years or more,” he stated.

Prime Minister Drew noted that the government’s comprehensive strategy has strengthened the nation’s resilience against the impacts of climate change and prolonged drought while laying the foundation for island-wide 24-hour water access.

“We have increased 24-hour water coverage by about 50 percent in less than four years, and we hope to achieve it for the whole country in short order because the strategy is already working,” he said.

Prime Minister Drew also commended Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Konris Maynard, and the staff of the Water Services Department for their dedication in advancing the government’s vision of long-term water security for the people of Saint Kitts.

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