Work has officially started on the Northern Pipeline Project, a major water infrastructure upgrade expected to strengthen supply across the heavily travelled Bonne Terre-to-Gros Islet corridor — but motorists are being warned of possible traffic disruption as construction progresses.
The project will replace approximately 1.1 kilometres of ageing 14-inch cast-iron pipeline, installed in the early 1980s, with a larger 20-inch ductile-iron main.
The upgrade is expected to improve water pressure, reduce leakage and increase distribution capacity to homes, businesses and tourism developments across northern Saint Lucia.
WASCO Chief Executive Officer Zilta George-Leslie described the project as a significant investment in the long-term reliability of the north’s water supply.
“The Northern Pipeline Project will transform how we deliver water to one of Saint Lucia’s most vital corridors,” George-Leslie said, adding that the new infrastructure is expected to provide more reliable service for decades.
With construction now underway, contractor Construction and Industrial Equipment Ltd. (CIE) has moved to finalize the pipeline’s alignment, particularly in areas initially identified as potentially challenging.
CIE CEO Rayneau Gajadhar said teams from CIE and WASCO assessed the proposed route on site before agreeing on the final alignment, clearing the way for work to progress more efficiently.
According to Gajadhar, much of the pipeline will be installed along or beyond the road shoulder, meaning motorists should experience relatively limited disruption across most of the construction zone.
However, he identified the Beausejour area as a potential traffic trouble spot. “When we get to the Beausejour Junction up in Gros Islet, opposite the gas station, from that section up to the Gros Islet Junction, that is going to pose a problem,” Gajadhar said. Outside of that section, he expects the impact on traffic to be considerably less because much of the excavation will take place away from the main roadway.
The project is scheduled to take approximately four months, putting completion around the end of 2026. Gajadhar said the work could be completed sooner if weather conditions remain favourable.
He also appealed for continued patience and cooperation from residents and motorists as construction moves through the corridor. “I must say that in Saint Lucia, in all of my projects, I have always had the cooperation of people,” Gajadhar said. “Let us continue to work together and we are going to progress as quickly as we can.”
