WATER PROBLEMS ARE commonplace in many countries across the world. From the big cities such as Sao Paulo, Brazil, to many which dot the United States’ west coast to many of our neighbours within the Caribbean, water scarcity is a big concern.
But global water problems have little relevance for the increasing number of Barbadians suffering because of the unavailability of an adequate supply of the commodity. They want instant solutions.
The cause of the water problems which have surfaced in many districts across this island can be readily pinpointed – increased demand and decreased supply. Of course, the issues of poor planning, climate change and a lack of public education on managing of our water resources are also critical factors.
Over the years, neither of the political administrations – Barbados Labour Party nor Democratic Labour Party – has given water resources management the type of priority it deserves in a water-scarce country. Yes, replacement of old and broken mains was seen as important, but little more was done to effectively resolve the issue.
Yet the social and economic ramifications of consumers not having a consistently adequate supply of water are dire.
We cannot glibly dismiss or deny the impact of climate change in creating a pernicious cycle of flooding and drought. So there must be careful planning if the Barbados Water Authority is to deliver that expected supply of water.
It is obvious Barbados needs a water service that will keep pace with increasing demands as the country’s population grows. Equally important are the requirements of an ever-expanding tourism sector along with the important agricultural and manufacturing industries. However, the economics of an adequate islandwide supply of water for domestic and commercial purposes cannot be glossed over. Adequately meeting water needs can be accomplished but will come at a price which we must be prepared to pay. There can be no political grandstanding on this point.
While engineering solutions are going to be critical – more wells, pumping stations and desalination plants – other approaches must also be considered.
To arrive at a solution, Government should look at what has been successfully done in arid Israel. That country boasts of a water surplus because of the policies and products it utilises – from seawater desalination, wastewater treatment and reuse, drip irrigation and “fertigation” to dual-flush toilets, to leak-detection systems and conservation and precision agriculture.
As a long-standing friend of Israel, Barbados should seek that country’s help. But until then we must conserve and adopt new, more water-efficient technology.
The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) cannot do it all on its own. The Barbados Workers’ Union as a key partner must give total support by encouraging its members at the BWA to be productive, effective and efficient.
This is not an issue of “us vs them”, whether concerning politics or labour management relations. We know that with proper planning and leadership Barbados need not see its taps run dry – even though it is a water-scarce country.