MOA & GEF Crew+ Advance Sustainable Wastewater Management
August 11, 2023
Play Press Release
Trailblazing Second Workshop Strengthens Partnership between Water Resource Management Agency and Global Environment Fund’s CRew+ for Enhanced Wastewater Practices in Continued Pursuit of Sustainable Island Management.
The recently concluded second workshop for the development of wastewater guidelines in Saint Lucia on August 9, 2023 marked a notable advancement in the overarching initiative to elevate wastewater management practices on the island, organized as an integral component of the Global Environment Fund CReW+ Project. This workshop was dedicated to the validation and enhancement of the draft wastewater guidelines that originated from the inaugural workshop.
The primary goal of the second workshop was to involve stakeholders from multiple sectors, presenting the drafted guidelines for their feedback and validation, with participants from fields such as Agriculture, Water Resources, Hospitality, and Youth among others, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to wastewater management.
Consultant attached to Waste Water Management Guideline Project, Gordon Wyke highlighted that “this collaborative approach ensures alignment between the guidelines and practical user needs. It complements existing island regulations and standards, offering anyone involved in this sector whether institutions, regulators, or those implementing wastewater facilities a comprehensive resource. The guidelines cover the sanitation value chain, providing directives for effective operation, best practices, and valuable insights.”
The proposed wastewater guidelines encompass multiple facets of the sanitation value chain including collection, conveyance, treatment, and disposal. Miguel Montoute, Water Resource Specialist at the Water Resource Management Agency, emphasized that the ongoing workshop success will culminate in a comprehensive wastewater guideline set. This resource will be invaluable for individuals, regulators, and institutions involved in wastewater management activities.
“This initiative stems from a prior undertaking where we crafted a draft wastewater Policy and Strategic Plan. One recommendation was a wastewater master plan – a goal we are progressively inching towards. The guidelines serve as a precursor to the broader master plan, amplifying opportunities to galvanize resources for wastewater project implementation.”
The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, stakeholders, experts, and organizations involved in the project underscore the commitment to sustainable wastewater management in Saint Lucia. As the project progresses, it is expected to not only enhance local wastewater practices but also serve as a model for similar initiatives, promoting the well-being of communities and the environment.
