STATEMENT BY HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER TO STAFF OF WASCO
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2009
As indicated during discussions yesterday with the staff of WASCO, and their
trade union representatives, the Government received the Report of the Review
Committee established to advise the Government of Saint Lucia on the best
approach to the management and operations of Saint Lucia’s Water and Sewerage
Sector.
The Cabinet of Ministers met this morning to deliberate on the findings of the
Committee, and after careful consideration, Cabinet has agreed to maintain WASCO
as a 100% state-owned entity for the foreseeable future and pursue
recapitalization and reorganisation of the Company.
The Government has accepted the recommendation of the Committee that calls for
immediate implementation of a Revitalization Plan. Some of the key components of
the Plan include:
1.improving governance and management
2.replacing the poor billing system
3.reducing accounts receivables
4.improving the finances of the Company with a view to strengthening the Balance
Sheet
5.fixing leaks with a view to enhancing/improving the revenue of the company
The Government of Saint Lucia is committed to settling the obligation which
arose out of the cessation of operations by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA)
as of 31st October 1999. These commitments will be paid with interest at a rate
to be agreed with representatives of the workers.
It is the Government’s desire to have the payment effected by 11th December
2009.
