Thousands of residents and consumers in the north, east and south of Dominica are expected to benefit from a recently launched USD7.4 million water upgrade project in that country. Funded by a USD6.1 million loan from Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and contributions by the Dominica Government and the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO), the 42-month project will be undertaken in Water Area-1, the largest of 43 water areas island-wide servicing essential services. Dubbed the "Third Water Supply Project- Water Area-1 Network Upgrade," the project includes Construction of a new intake at the Checkhall River; the upgrade of the network transmission and distribution system; Construction of two distribution storage tanks of 100,000 gallons at Massacre and 250,000 gallons at Antrim; the upgrade of the existing Springfield intake and the Antrim filtration plant, as well as the establishment of a leak detection and repair program. Also included is the creation of an access road and footpath to the new Checkhall intake. Speaking at the launch, DOWASCO Director, Ms. Kay Robinson outlined ". improved water quality due to a relocated source and upgrade of the treatment plant, and . a more reliable water supply with minimum interruptions. " as two of the major benefits of the project. Dominica's Housing, Lands, Settlements and Water Resources Management Minister, Mr. Reginald Austrie urged nationals to review water resources management. WA-1 accounts for 48 percent of total water consumption in Dominica. Copy adapted from and source of quote: www.caribbean360.com Image source: www.telegraph.co.uk