Sustainable wastewater management in Saint Lucia receives a major boost as the Ministry of Agriculture through the Water Resource Management Agency, partners with GEF CReW+, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on an innovative initiative to promote community involvement, environmental health guidelines and safe wastewater management practices in key communities. Confronted with urgent challenges in wastewater management, the project is aimed at protecting natural resources such as rivers and coastal zones and developing effective solutions for users of both onsite and small-scale wastewater treatment facilities.

Consultant attached to the Wastewater Management Guideline Project, Gordon Wyke, highlighted the importance of addressing regulatory issues and the importance of adopting proper wastewater management technics. “There are significant areas of concern in terms of how the regulations play out, despite having a lot of regulations in place. The question arises: Is enforcement adequate? Are users truly following the right practices? Do we have sufficient information to implement wastewater management strategies effectively? These guidelines aim to provide guidance, education, and solutions to users on the island, enabling them to benefit and understand the precise actions required for different functional groups involved in wastewater management,” noted, consultant attached to the Wastewater Management Guideline Project, Gordon Wyke.

In targeting peri-urban villages such as Canaries and Micoud, the Water Resource Specialist of the WRMA, Miguel Montoute states that the project will retrofit community bathrooms in Canaries with advanced technologies and best practices for wastewater treatment and disposal. “There has been significant interest in the rural peri-urban villages in Saint Lucia, particularly Canaries and Anse- La Raye, with studies conducted in these areas to explore interventions and potential solutions for addressing the water- related challenges. A specific study conducted in the Canaries focused on tackling the issues arising from septic tanks located near the coastline, which pose a significant risk to the marine environment.

Recognizing the need for interventions to protect public health and environmental well-being, the project strategically targets Canaries to address these pressing concerns. These upgrades will not only minimize the impact on the marine environment but also improve water and sanitation conditions and the well-being of community residents,” remarked, Water Resource Specialist of the  Water Resource Management Agency (WRMA), Miguel Montoute. The project demonstration site will showcase an integrated pig waste management system, promoting sustainable agricultural practices while minimizing the environmental impact on our natural water resources. The successful execution of this project will not only enhance the quality of life for the communities involved but serve as a model for future wastewater management initiatives in Saint Lucia and beyond.