BWA says supply being restored in St Peter districts

Some residents in areas in St Peter experiencing water woes are getting relief.

A few days after residents expressed anger over what they described as continuous water challenges that appear to be getting worse, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) issued a press release today informing those living in the Boscobelle distribution network that the pipe-borne supply has returned to some areas following the identification of several burst mains in the northern parish.

The BWA said that the issue of low reservoir levels at some of its facilities in the north, however, remains a concern, especially at peak hours. The authority has warned though, that it will take some time for the entire system to return to normal.

The release stated: “The authority will continue to assist those residents who may still be impacted by lower than normal water pressure and/or water outages by increased visits into the areas by its water tanker fleet and regular refilling of the community tanks in that parish.

On the weekend, a number of residents from districts in the Boscobelle area, complained to Barbados TODAY that they have become weary of the frequent water outages. They also questioned why they are still receiving water bills, since they do not see water running from their taps as often as they should.

The outraged residents appealed to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley to pay them a visit so that they can tell her how frustrated they are about the ongoing challenges they face as a result of limited access to water.

June Clarke, of Hurley’s Gap said she was lucky to get water that day thanks to a kind-hearted man passing through the area giving water to residents. She said it was time Prime Minister Mottley came to Boscobelle.

Clarke has to use a wheelbarrow to get water from a community tank to meet the sanitary needs of her brother who had a stroke. In a passionate cry, the 78-year-old woman said it has been seven days that Boscobelle residents have received  a drop of water from their taps.

According to her the community tanks are always out of water because residents empty them as fast as tankers from the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) refill them.

“When you wake up in the mornings you can’t face your own toilet in your house because of the scent that going through it,” Clarke said. “All you talk and ask for some person to assist you, nobody is coming at all. I think it is time for the Prime Minister to step in and do something about Boscobelle and all the surrounding areas that can’t get water. It is unfair to us . . . I am a woman 78 years old and I am pushing a pan cart,

“We want the Prime Minister to know that Boscobelle belongs to her,” another Hurley’s Gap resident added.

Several other residents in the area got loud as they lamented how they have become tired of dealing with the water challenges. (anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb)