A Fresh Flow: Revitalising Dennery North's Water Supply in Saint Lucia
The picturesque community of Dennery, nestled on the eastern coast of Saint Lucia, has long grappled with significant challenges regarding its water supply. Home to just under 13,000 residents, the community has faced unreliable access to potable water due to outdated and inadequate infrastructure. Both the rainy and dry seasons have brought their unique challenges, impacting the availability and quality of water.
A History of Water Woes
Dennery's water woes have been a longstanding issue. During the rainy season, heavy rainfall often led to high turbidity in local water sources, overwhelming the existing treatment facilities and leaving residents with unsafe drinking water. In contrast, the dry season brought severe water shortages, disrupting daily life, education, and business operations. The inconsistent water supply prompted some frustrated residents to relocate to areas with more dependable service.
"In the past, when it rained, you couldn't expect water because the filtration system was inadequate. Even my wife, who has a salon, would hesitate to use the WASCO water on certain days due to its poor quality."
A Strategic Response to Water Challenges
In response to these challenges, the Dennery North Water Supply Redevelopment Project was launched, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Government of Saint Lucia, and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) with an investment of USD 17 million.
Through this initiative, Dennery's water infrastructure underwent a comprehensive upgrade. A new water supply intake was constructed, along with transmission lines, storage facilities, and a treatment plant, all designed to meet the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water quality, addressing current and future water demand while ensuring a dependable and sustainable water supply system that safeguards public health.
Impact on the Community
The impact of these upgrades was felt almost immediately. Residents, particularly women responsible for managing household water needs and children who previously missed school due to water-related issues, benefited greatly from the improved water quality and reliability. The enhanced water supply has also boosted economic productivity in the community.
"Before this facility, we had to rely on rivers, and everything had to be carefully planned. We had to make sure we went to the rivers before dark, and water consumption was minimal because we didn't have piped water at the time."
“The success of the water resilience project in Dennery North serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.”
CDB Building Strategic Partnerships for the Future
By investing in similar projects in Jamaica, Guyana, and beyond, CDB continues to ensure that communities in the Caribbean can enjoy the benefits of reliable and safe water supply systems.
Throughout the Region and through alliances such as those with the AFD, the Bank remains committed to building partnerships that enhance social and economic infrastructure and promote environmental resilience.
