A new improved water supply is coming to Bense/Hampstead and Anse de Mai.
That assurance has been given to residents of those communities, some of whom have become sceptical about the project after several delays in implementation.
On Monday, the government and water company DOWASCO signed the contracts for the EC$4.6 million water supply system for these communities.
DOWASCO’s General Manager, Bernard Ettinoff, told the official signing ceremony that the water quality will be improved, and exceed the World Health Organization guidelines for potable water.
According to the water official, the total spent on projects over the last four years will far exceed $50 Million.
The area’s parliamentary representative, agriculture minister Mathew Walter while acknowledging that the project has been hit by many hurdles, said the government is pleased that it was finally underway.
“We know that we have delayed but there is a reason behind it. The delay was not deliberate but it was because we were trying to remedy a technical hiccup and it has been remedied. All of us here should be happy because we know the importance of water to the community,” he said.
He noted that the existing water supply has been described as an inadequate one with a lot of impurities.
“You said that the water system would get the residents sick, and you should be happy that we are doing away with it and replacing it with one that’s certified to serve you with good water that will serve you for a very long time,” the minister added.
Commenting on the project, Water Resources Minister Reginald Austrie said government was on a drive to ensure that every Dominican has top quality water.
He said the country was already 90 per cent there, with full attainment of that dream expected to be achieved by 2015.
Austrie also sought to dispel the notion that Bense has been neglected by government as far as the water supply is concerned.
“What we have had is a very inefficient and old system from the Anse De Mai River and it has now become inadequate,” he explained.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit who also addressed Monday’s ceremony, said for far too long, the people of Bense have been complaining.
“Do not let anyone tell you that you don’t deserve the project. I am not those who sit in an office and let someone tell them about problems. I went down…walked down in the valley…to see the problem. I am speaking with first hand knowledge of the challenges you have,” he said.
The prime minister also gave his commitment to concentrate on the road and housing problems affecting the constituency.
The water project will see the construction of a new intake and treatment facility along the Hampstead River, along with a new storage tank and the adjoining pipe works.
I listened to a news clip where Skerrit was addressing the people of Bense concerning the water supply.I ask myself, do we have a Government and Cabinet.I also asked myself wether Skerrit is going to pay for that water supply from his private funds.I keep on hearing,I,I, I will do this I will do that,isn’t time that Skerrit behaves like a statesman. This dictatorial attitude is causing people like a very serious concern.
What about the people of Soufriere and Scott’s head?
Since the new sea wall was built there has been ap problem with the water supply to Scott’s head and up to now nothing has been done about it.
Can somebody hear my cry for for the people?
wah hppeen by the sea the pipes were passing??
and no water to the northern side of bellevue chopin for so many years but the …. will come again eh election time. the president has a house above us there and no pipe water to the president of the commonwealth of Dominica.the same commonwealth of Dominica with 365 so said rivers. mah gway sah!
Yes my friend but this has been so for how long now?
This Government is trying it utmost to get everywhere with pipe-borne water so have patience, look Giraudel and Eggleston get water i remember Ms Charles saying water cannot climb hill and a pump will be too expensive!!!
Is there a river “above” Bellevue Chopin? No there is not. Some places in Dominica are higher that the nearest rivers, Giraudel for example, and special pumps have to be put in place.
I am in such a situation. I built a cistern. I collect masses of rainwater. I have all that I need. I do not have to pay a DOWASCO Bill.
Why do so many of us just sit and complain and wait for something to be brought on our door step. Why do we not work out a solution for ourselves.Mag way sa!
do you know how many microorganisms thrive in stagnant water supplies?
My good friend if you have ever been to the U.S.V.I chancescare you bathed and brushed and did all your ta-la la you used cistern water.All houses are required by law to have a cistern as part of your approved plans.Residents of the V.I. don’t die from using cistern water.Sir/Madame i must commend you on taking the initiative to help yourself.
Hallelujah!
I hope that the lady who lost her house and all its contents to fire on Carnival Tuesday in Bense, will benefit from the HOUSING then WATER. Since February! Poor Woman! Not even water she has had even before the fire!
So the lady doh have FAMILY??? You should take it on your own and raise some money from the community for her!!
Why everything is Government responsibility?? All you saying we heading to a dictatorship under Skerrit, almost to scare people, yet still for all you everything is Skerrit, so in reality all you want a dictatorship.
I myself want Skerrit to come plant some tea for me, make it for me in the morning and still give me sugar and bread with that.
so long they need another strike like the one they got couple yrs back