Amidst drought conditions, government announces declaration of water related emergency pursuant to section 10 of the Water and Sewage Act No. 14 of 2005
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Contact: Min. of Agriculture
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 – WHEREAS, it is enacted by Section 10 of the Water and Sewage Act No. 14 of 2005 that if the Minister for Agriculture acting on the advice of the Water Resources Management Agency is satisfied that by reason of an exceptional shortage of rain, or contamination of water, a serious deficiency of supplies of water exists or is threatened, considers a water related emergency is necessary, he may cause a declaration to that effect to be made.
AND WHEREAS, it is considered by the Minister for Agriculture acting on advice of the Water Resource Management Agency that the water management practices mentioned and described in the schedule hereto should be adopted by for the proper management of portable water.
NOW THEREFORE, it is hereby declared by the Minister for Agriculture acting in accordance with the advice of the Water Resource Management agency, that upon the Second Publication of this Declaration in the Gazette, the water management practice mentioned in the schedule hereto shall be adopted to manage and conserve portable water.
Schedule 1
THE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that with effect from February 24, 2010, the WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY PROHIBITS in all areas of the island of Saint Lucia served by drought-affected water supply systems,
a) the use of water supplied by or obtained through, the pipes of WASCO for and watering of gardens, lawns, grounds and farms;
b) the use of water supplied by or obtained through, the pipes of WASCO for supplying of ponds, or swimming pools or for use other than normal domestic services such as drinking, cooking, washing, bathing and sanitation; c) the use of water supplied by or obtained through, the pipes of WASCO for non pressure and pressure washing of houses using a hose or watering or washing roadways, pavements, paths, vehicles, garages or out rooms;
d) the use of water supplied by or obtained through, the pipes of WASCO by major contractors, for concrete, and block making.
e) the use of water supplied by or obtained through, the pipes of WASCO by major contractors for construction, by plants making concrete and,
f) the tampering of WASCO infrastructure to divert or abstract water from its network.
g) the use of water supplied by or obtained through, the pipes of WASCO to fill leaking storage tanks and overflowing tanks.
h) any purpose which may require the use of a considerable or excessive quantity of water.
FURTHER, enforced by WASCO with the support of the police such prohibition shall remain in effect until further notice and while such prohibition is in effect, no person shall use or cause or permit to be used any water supplied by or obtained from the pipes of WASCO any of the purposes specified in this notice.
A person who contravenes a provision of an Order made pursuant to sub-section (1) (b), (c) or (d) commits an offence and upon summary conviction is liable to a fine of not less than three thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months or to both and to a further fine of not less than fifty dollars for each day during which the breach continues.
Signed: Ezekiel Joseph Minister for Agriculture, Lands Fisheries and Forestry February 19, 2010 |
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