Water safety plan for SVG to be developed

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, with funding obtained from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is embarking on the development of a comprehensive Water Safety Plan for St Vincent and Grenadines.{{more}}

The plan is expected to be developed during the period September 2 to November 29, 2013. Regional consultants T.P Smith Engineering Inc, in collaboration with the Caribbean Environmental Management and Remedial Associates, have been contracted to undertake the assignment, a release from the Ministry said.

As part of the calendar of activities for the development of the Water Safety Plan, a national consultation was held last Thursday, and drew key stakeholders from within the water sector and other associated Ministries and agencies within St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Over the next three months, the consultants will work in close collaboration with key personnel from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, the Central Water and Sewerage Authority, the Forestry Department, the Physical Planning Unit, the Central Planning Division, inter alia, to develop this plan.

The main aim of the Water Safety Plan is to ensure the safety of the potable water supply, through the use of a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach that encompasses all steps in water supply, from catchment to consumer. The most cost-effective and protective means of consistently assuring a supply of acceptable drinking water is the application of some form of risk management, based on sound science and supported by appropriate monitoring. The plan will be developed using the methodology prescribed by WHO/PAHO and will build on the experiences of similar national initiatives in the Caribbean.