Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has issued a strong warning to the Water and Sewerage Company, making it clear that the government is closely monitoring its operations as millions continue to be invested in the country’s water infrastructure.
Speaking at a recent contract signing, Pierre said the government has been deliberately hands-on, noting that multiple ministers were present as a signal of accountability and oversight. “We are keeping a close eye on you,” the Prime Minister stated, addressing WASCO officials directly. “The people who will pay the ultimate price are the people of Saint Lucia.”
Pierre revealed that the government has been injecting approximately $1.2 million monthly into improvements at key facilities, funding sourced through the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).
He added that the government has gone as far as paying WASCO’s bills in advance, an unprecedented move aimed at stabilizing operations.
At the same time, the Prime Minister acknowledged ongoing public frustration over water shortages but stressed that these challenges are not new. “We’ve had water issues for years, particularly during the dry season,” he said, urging the public to remain measured in their criticism.
Pierre also confirmed that government is moving toward a public-private partnership (PPP) model for WASCO, with support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to restructure the utility into a more sustainable operation.
Despite these efforts, he warned that long-term water scarcity remains a global issue and Saint Lucia must act proactively.
