Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has reaffirmed the Government of Saint Lucia’s commitment to addressing the island’s ongoing water challenges through infrastructure investment, climate adaptation measures, institutional reform and strengthened regulatory independence. 

Speaking during his pre-Cabinet press briefing on Tuesday, May 26, Prime Minister Pierre said Government continues to pursue both immediate and long-term solutions to improve water security amid increasing climate pressures and persistent operational challenges facing the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO). 

The Prime Minister disclosed that the Government is currently seeking financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to support expanded rainwater-harvesting initiatives across the island. 

“I’m trying to get a loan from the CDB to give people tanks in every household, starting from schools,” Prime Minister Pierre said. “That has to be the short-term answer to our water problems because water problems are going to continue.”

The Prime Minister warned that changing climate conditions, including the anticipated effects of El Niño, continue to threaten water availability despite ongoing preparations by WASCO. 

“Even though WASCO is prepared, and there’s no rain, same problem,” he stated.

Government has repeatedly encouraged citizens to adopt rainwater harvesting and conservation measures as part of a broader national response to water scarcity and climate resilience. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Pierre noted that restoring and modernising WASCO’s infrastructure could require an estimated EC$200 million in investment while emphasising that water harvesting must form part of the country’s immediate response to water shortages. 

Government has also advanced several water infrastructure projects aimed at improving reliability and reducing disruptions across the island. These include upgrades to the northern pipeline system, rehabilitation works at the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant, and the replacement of sections of the raw water pipeline connected to the John Compton Dam. 

Prime Minister Pierre also addressed public discussion surrounding WASCO tariffs and clarified the legal and regulatory framework governing utility rate adjustments in Saint Lucia. 

“First of all, WASCO can’t raise its own rates. Cabinet can’t raise WASCO’s rates. The Prime Minister can’t raise WASCO’s rates,” he explained.

The Prime Minister noted that under Saint Lucia’s laws, utility companies such as WASCO may submit tariff review applications to the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC), which independently assesses and determines such matters. 

“The NURC is a separate entity. The NURC is not a ministry of government,” the Prime Minister stated. “The NURC opines and comes with an opinion.”

The clarification comes amid ongoing public consultations being conducted by the NURC as part of WASCO’s triennial tariff review process. 

Prime Minister Pierre further announced that the Cabinet has already taken steps to reinforce institutional independence and avoid perceived conflicts in the oversight of utility regulation. 

“We found that it was strange for the minister who oversees public utilities to be the same minister who oversees the NURC,” the Prime Minister explained. “So I changed that in my Cabinet.”

He said responsibility for oversight of the NURC now falls under a separate ministerial portfolio to ensure greater independence in the regulatory process. 

Government says its broader strategy for the water sector includes infrastructure upgrades, climate resilience initiatives, operational reform at WASCO, expanded water harvesting, and continued engagement with regional and international development partners to strengthen water security across Saint Lucia.