Last Updated on May 17, 2020, 7:43 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Saint Lucia has declared a water-related emergency in the country which would come in effect from Monday, May 18, 2020.
The Agriculture Minister of Saint Lucia, Ezechiel Joseph made the order Friday on the advice of the Water Resource Management Agency.
The order noted that based on the advice, the Minister is satisfied that an ‘exceptional shortage of rain or a serious deficiency of supplies of water exists or is threatened.’
The emergency will remain in effect until further notice.
The order prohibits the use of water from the pipes of WASCO for a number of purposes.
They include washing a vehicle using a hose, watering a lawn, hedge, garden, farm, ground and recreational field, as well as pressure, washing a house using a hose or watering a roadway, pavement, garage or path.
Using water from the pipes of WASCO for concrete mixing and block making.
Filing a swimming pool or filling a leaking or overflowing storage tank are also prohibited, along with an activity that may require the use of a considerable or excessive quantity of water.
A person who contravenes subsection one of the order commits an offence.
According to the document, such an individual is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000, or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or to both, and to a further fine not exceeding a sum of $50 for each day during which the contravention continues.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
