Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement and Leader of the Opposition t representing Salt Cay, Hon. Edwin Astwood, is calling for immediate Government action to address the worsening water and infrastructure crisis affecting the island.
Hon. Astwood said the concerns raised by residents are serious and cannot be treated as another routine maintenance issue. He said “The people of Salt Cay have been without a dependable water supply for far too long. Residents cannot properly flush their toilets, wash their clothing, clean their dishes or carry out basic household activities. This is no longer simply an inconvenience. It is a public-health, sanitation and human-dignity crisis.”
Residents have reported that the reverse-osmosis plant has been out of operation for an extended period. They have also received repeated assurances that replacement equipment was on its way, had been shipped or had already arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Despite those promises, the equipment has reportedly not reached Salt Cay, while the island’s water-storage tanks have now reached critically low levels.
Hon. Astwood stated: “The residents of Salt Cay have heard enough promises from this PNP Government. They need to know exactly where the equipment is, when it will arrive on the island and the date by which the RO plant will be restored to full operation.” Concerns have also been raised about several government-owned water-storage tanks that require repairs, as well as the serious deterioration of the canal that is necessary for drainage on the Island especially during times of Hurricanes.
A section of the canal reportedly damaged since October has continued to deteriorate and is now close to obstructing the proper flow of water. With the country in hurricane season, the failure to address this damage creates an additional and unnecessary danger for the community. “An unobstructed canal is critical during hurricane season. The responsible authorities have reportedly known about this damage for months. Allowing a small break to grow into a major obstruction reflects the wider failure to maintain Salt Cay’s essential infrastructure.”
Hon. Astwood is calling upon the Government to immediately:
1. provide an adequate and dependable emergency supply of potable water to affected residents;
2. confirm publicly the present location and status of the replacement RO equipment;
3. provide a firm date for the full restoration of the RO plant;
4. inspect and repair all government-owned water-storage tanks on Salt Cay;
5. immediately clear and repair the damaged canal;
6. assess the condition of the island’s roads and other neglected public infrastructure; and
7. communicate directly and regularly with residents until the problems are fully resolved.
