IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN A MONTH since a prohibition notice was issued by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) restricting the use of water. It went into effect on March 1 and is expected to continue for three months until May 31.
The prohibition addressed the irrigation or watering of gardens, lawns and grounds, filling or supplying tanks, pond, baths or swimming pools and washing roadways, pavements or vehicles by hose. It, however, did not apply to dipping tanks for cattle, domestic baths not exceeding 120 litres in capacity or elevated reserve tanks not exceeding 800 litres in capacity and connected to household sewage or water supply systems. It was implemented under Section 14 (1) of the Barbados Water Authority (Water Services) Regulations, 1982.
We clearly understand the need for the regulations as a way to ration this precious resource and prevent waste, while ensuring that water-starved residents in some rural parishes have access. A very commendable move, we believe.
However, it is now time the BWA reports to the public and gives an update on the results of the prohibition. It would be interesting to note what fruit, if any, the measures has been reaping. Have there been changes in people’s practices? What are the current levels of water resources? How are they being managed and monitored? Are people having more access to water?
These are all critical points to ponder as the public is being asked to follow the regulations.
The Authority has asked for the public’s cooperation in dealing with this critical issue, and appealed to their good conscience to follow the rules. It is now time that it takes the public into its confidence and report on any progress.
It is also important that the media be embraced in this process, since the majority of the information on water shortages, outages or shutdowns, is disseminated through various media.
This is a critical time for this country in terms of water resource management. We can ill afford for shortages and outages to persist in affected areas, as the issue cuts across so many sectors. Our tourist industry will be impacted, construction will be affected, so too will agriculture. Luckily, shortly after the notice was issued, the BWA relaxed some of the regulations, recognising that farmers, in particular, needed some leg room to ensure that their crops are properly irrigated and animals well cared for.
While it may be necessary for the prohibition to remain in place, it is also vital that the BWA reports to the public on what has been achieved. Our water resources are too critical to be played with. Don’t waste the opportunity to keep the public informed.
