Parliamentary representative for Christ Church South and Minister of Health John Boyce has defended Government’s handling of the South Coast Sewerage Project.
“I want to assure the public that the Barbados Water Authority and the Government of Barbados are on top of this. We had our Cabinet meeting yesterday [Thursday] and we had a healthy discussion as to the details associated with the repair.
“Obviously as Minister of Health and understanding my portfolio, I am not in a position to speak on behalf of the Water Authority in terms of what they will share; but I know they have been sharing with the public quite often,” said Boyce during a press conference yesterday.
He also said the Ministry was working with restaurants and business places to ensure that good hygiene practices were put in place to mitigate any transmission of infections.
“We continue to do our potable water measurements to make sure the water is not affected and the Environmental Protection Department, along with the Coastal Zone are doing their near-shore tests,” he said, adding that there were no signs of change.
“Our indication . . . from hospitals, public clinics, along with private doctors [is that] there has not been any change so far. We believe if the public cooperates with us during this period and makes sure these extra safe measures are put in place we can see our way through this crisis,” he said.
Boyce said he could not give timelines of repair because a three-step process was being put in place: the ceasing of the overflows, attempts to clear blockages, and then to look at improving the entire sewage plant at Graeme Hall.
He said the enjoyment of the season was tempered by “the enormous inconveniences which are being experienced by members of the community, especially in the Worthing and Hastings areas, and generally on the South Coast . . . stretching from Oistins, where the plant starts, right down to Bay Street outside the Hilton, where the South Coast plant terminates. (JS)
