BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 10, 2024 (SKNIS) – During a landmark ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024, Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials and representatives from Bedrock Exploration Development Technologies St. Kitts Ltd (BEAD) raised glasses of fresh tap water with residents of Cayon, signalling the return of 24-hour water service to the community following the official commissioning and handing over of the water well at Cabbage Tree.
The commissioning of the well, which can supply in excess of 400,000 gallons of water daily, underscores the commitment of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to resolve the long-standing water challenges that have developed in the country over the past decades.
Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, who is also the Parliamentary Representative for Cayon, was among the dignitaries in attendance at the commissioning ceremony. While delivering remarks, the honourable prime minister said a concerted effort was made by his administration to find viable solutions to the water challenge, noting that, “water is too basic of a need not to make it the most important issue that tops the priority list of any administration.”
He added, “During our discussions with respect to the Budget Debate we decided that we would increase the water budget and we increased it by 400 percent.”
Prime Minister Dr. Drew commended the Honourable Minister responsible for Water Services, Konris Maynard and his team at the Water Services Department for bringing this project to fruition for the benefit of the people of Cayon and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Drew commented further on the far-reaching implications of this additional water source, stating that, “It would positively impact the area of St. Peter’s which is another area that is also affected [by water shortage] because I am told by the engineers that the water source in Green Hill serves Cayon and St. Peter’s, and with Cayon now having this resource some more water can be redirected to the St. Peter’s area.”
Before being introduced to the main line for consumption, the water at the Cabbage Tree, Cayon well underwent several rounds of quality testing by national and international accredited laboratories, and have met the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for potable water.
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