Last Updated on December 28, 2024, 1:05 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Nevis marked the construction of two wells in the Maddens area, which will provide around 144,000 gallons of water per day to the citizens of country.
The drilling of two wells is a part of the USD 3.3 million project undertaken by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) with a vision to enhance the water supply for the people of the country.
The project is done by Nevis Island Administration in collaboration with Water and Oil Wells Services Limited of Trinidad.
Under this project, the authorities aim to develop around nine wells on the island nation, which will provide a humongous 1.5 million gallons per day for the usage of the island population.
Recently, Minister responsible for Water Services, Spencer Band emphasized the transformative potential of this project during the NIA budget debate held on 5th December, 2024. He described it as the ‘game changer’ which is expected to enhance the overall conditions of the country by providing them with potable water.
Statement of the Minister regarding the well drilling project
Minister Band stated, “Pump testing at Madden’s well site number two is now complete, yielding a return of 125 gallons per minute when pumped continuously. This translates to 144000 gallons per day. We are expected to run the well pumps at 100 to 110 gallons per minute that is within manageable drawdown range.”
“The water quality is 200 parts per million, which is very good for drinking”, he continued.
“The pump testing at the Maddens site has also been done and the results has been positive with a safe yield of 350 gallons per minute. If all goes well, we expect the site will also be connected to the system shortly. This is extremely good.”
“With all the assessments done, this second well has the potential of using a 8 to 9 inch pump. We are looking to dig a larger hole, make some adjustments and put a much larger pump here. Then a majority of the water requirements of the Nevis island’s people can be fulfilled from this well.”
Along with that, the Minister Spencer Band also mentioned about drilling a third water well site in Dasents Estate and the work is being expected to start from the beginning of Jan 2025.
Desalination Plant in St James
The Nevis Island Administration have also recently conducted the testing of the photovoltaic desalination plant constructed in Butlers, St. James.
The first production of fully desalinated water was carried out on December 13th, 2024 and after checking the water was introduced to the water distribution network of the island. If run at full capacity, this solar energy powered plant can be used to produce a record 60000 gallons of desalinated water per day giving a huge boost to the water availability in Nevis.
The NIA has been working wholeheartedly to provide the essential resources and has invested a humongous 43 million dollars in various projects involving water that range from improving water distribution system, increasing storage capacity and bringing additional water on the streamline.
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.
