Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 19, 2024 (SKNIS): The proposed allocation for the 2025 fiscal year is set to increase as the government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to make meaningful and strategic investments to address the ongoing water shortages brought about by climate change.
During his contribution to the 2025 Budget Debate on December 19, 2024, the Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for the Water Services Department (WSD), presented figures to the National Assembly that highlighted the government’s strong commitment to expanding water access for communities across the island.
“The budget (allocation) for 2022, was a paltry $8.5 million,” Honourable Maynard stated, citing figures by the previous administration in spite of the growing water challenges that affected the population. The Budget for 2023 increased significantly after Minister Maynard assumed office in August 2022.
“In 2023, we increased the budget to $22.7 million. In 2024, it was increased to $38.6 million and in this budget, we are proposing a further increase to $44.2 million. That is a 400 percent increase in the water budget since taking office two years ago,” he emphasised.
Other key steps taken by the ministry included reinstating the Water Advisory Board which was dormant for many years, establishing a 24-hour water hotline service, and drilling for new underground sources of water. This resulted in the discovery and eventual commissioning of a new well at Cayon, that has significantly reduced the decades-long challenges faced by that community.
Minister Maynard further informed that a one (1) million-gallon water storage facility will be constructed in Cayon. Additionally, a drone-based airborne geophysical survey is underway to identify new and unexplored areas for underground water services. Further, old pipes were replaced on the northern side of St. Kitts, two desalination plants are under construction, and a treatment plant will be constructed in Shadwell to treat the water.
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