17/08/2026
Constituency Woes
SOUFRIERE WATER ISSUES- What is causing it. When will it be resolved?
Written by a resident of Soufriere
For many months now, the water supply to the town has been adversely affected and residents and businesses have endured this crisis very quietly. There hasn't seem to be any formal statement or update from WASCO, the Parliamentary Representative Office or the Constituency Council on the water woes plaguing the town.
Soufriere is an economic and tourism hub. Months of water shortages affects businesses and daily operations and service.
Hotels, small businesses residents and other operators have been required to truck water as far as the south of the island. This results in higher operational costs and this also affects the tourist experience at Airbnb establishments.
It is noticeable that 800/1000 Gallons Plastic Water Tanks are being placed at locations around the town for residents to fill their containers.
It is imperative that the authorities clarify the following:
Was it the dry season that created this water shortage problem for the town?
Is there an issue from the Diamond water supply which was consistent for decades supplying the town centre and its environs such as Wingsville, Church Street, Market Road, Barons Drive etc?
Is the entire Soufriere Constituency (not Fond St. Jacques) predominantly dependent only on the supply from Ruby Water Supply which has its limitations of storage?
Will the beleaguering water issue be resolved before the commencement of the new academic year?
What is the status of the project from Bouton to supply Colombette which commenced in 2022, with the laying of a 4” line? It appears to be halted mid-way to Colombette. If this project was completed, it could have helped with supply since Wasco is facilitating water trucks from the Bouton intersection off the Canaries system.
Upon research, it was indicated that during the reconstruction of the Zenon Road Project in 2020, WASCO installed new piping with the intention of an additional water source from upper Zenon which could supply New Development, Cressland and Zenon. What is the status on this new undertaking?
Soufriere has water available to alleviate the crisis being faced. It is important that this issue be given urgent attention and proper management for the sustainability of the social and economic life of the community and also to mitigate health related risks.