Project Outcome

The anticipated outcome of the Patience Water Supply Redevelopment Project is improved efficiency, reliability, climate resilience and sustainability of the supply of potable water in Patience and its environs by December 31, 2026.

Project Description

The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has received financing from the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) towards the cost of implementing the Patience Water Supply Redevelopment Project in Saint Lucia. The total project cost is USD 1,461,996.00.

The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) Inc. is the GOSL's implementing agency, also responsible for managing, monitoring and evaluating project activities.

The Project is scheduled to commence in October 2023, with an estimated completion date of March 2025.

The Project was approved by the CDF in 2023 and comprises the following components:

1. Land acquisition to facilitate the construction of a water treatment plant and pumping station.
2. Infrastructure works:

a. Water production facilities comprising:

• • One rubble wall intake structure on the main Fond river
  • One water treatment plant (Package Treatment type with two Degremont UCD 50 units capable of producing 1,200 m³/day)
  • One new pumping station located downstream of the intake

b. 22.8 kilometers of new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) raw water transmission mains connecting the new intake to the existing system

c. One new storage reservoir of 150,000 gallons (568 m³) capacity at Lombard

1. Patience Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Reduction Programme - Targeting reduction from 56% to 35%
2. Energy Efficiency, Rainwater Harvesting, and Smart Metering Programme
3. Technical Assistance for watershed protection and management
4. Project Management and Monitoring including Engineering services

The project addresses critical water supply challenges in the area, including:

• Frequent periods of highly turbid water during the rainy season
• Extended periods of low water volumes during the dry season
• Poor water quality due to lack of filtration
• Costly water trucking operations during supply disruptions

The current system relies on a small intake at Piton that flows by gravity to a storage facility in Lombard, serving 1,729 customers across 10 communities. The new system will provide a more reliable raw water source with upgraded treatment facilities.

Project Location

The project affected areas are located in the Micoud District in the South-East of Saint Lucia. The population served is estimated at 4,700 people across 1,729 customer accounts.

Communities within the Project's sphere of influence include:

• St. Marie
• Patience
• Lombard
• La Haut
• Mon Repos
• Wen Development
• Mamiku
• Praslin
• La Pointe
• Malgretoute

Project Components and Costs

Expected Results

Primary Outcomes:

• 90% reduction in annual number of days with water supply disruption due to shortages
• Reduction in turbidity readings from 44 days per year to 4 days per year
• Reduction in Non-Revenue Water from 56% to 35%
• Improved access to reliable water supply for 1,729 customers

Long-term Impact:

• Enhanced water security and climate resilience
• Support for potential residential and touristic development
• Improved public health outcomes
• Economic growth through reliable water infrastructure

Implementation Timeline

The project is scheduled for implementation over 18 months:

• Start Date: October 2023
• Completion Date: TBC
• Key Phases: Design, procurement, construction, and commissioning

Funding Sources

• CDF (CARICOM Development Fund): 96% (USD 1,398,505)
• WASCO/GOSL: 4% (USD 63,491)

This project represents a significant investment in Saint Lucia's water infrastructure, addressing both immediate community needs and long-term climate resilience challenges in the water sector.