One of the critical areas being given attention by the Government of Saint Lucia, through the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, DVRP, is the water sector.

    In that regard, much focus is being paid to the climate resilient rehabilitation of the country’s water supply infrastructure. This includes the development of the Millet Water Intake within the John Compton Dam Raw Water Supply System, and the procurement and installation of meters for WASCO’s nonrevenue water (NRW) programme. Acting director of the Water Resource Management Agency (WRMA) Jason Ernest explains that rain water harvesting is yet another priority area under the DVRP.

“The objective of the training workshop is to train contractors and plumbers in the proper design, installation and maintenance of Rain Water Harvesting Systems. We are hoping that this first cohort will be ambassadors for the programme and transfer the knowledge within their communities and the wider country.

“At a time when we speak of climate change and weather variability, water conservation practices comes to the forefront. We are therefore promoting rainwater harvesting as a complement to the water supply service that we receive from our traditional source which is WASCO,” Ernest remarks.

    With an increase in global temperature, there is every likelihood that there will be a scarcity of potable water in many countries across the world, including Saint Lucia. Rain water is free and can be collected and stored, instead of letting it run off. It is a perfect alternative to back up the main water supply. Collecting and storing rain water will also reduce the consumer’s water bill. Financing, Ernest says, is also being made available. 

    “Not only are we training plumbers and contactors, but various initiatives are underway to encourage installation of RWHS, including the Saint Lucia Development Bank’s (SLDB’s) Climate Adaptation Financing Facility (CAFF) through which persons can access very low interest loans to finance installations.”

    The 4-day training workshops will be held at the National Skills Development Centre, NSDC, in Bisée, from June 17 to 21, 2019. Among topics for discussion are Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting Systems, Rainwater Harvesting Concepts, Components of a Rainwater Harvesting System and Factors affecting the Designs of a Rainwater Harvesting System.

    Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation at the end of the training programme.