The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and Ionics Fresh Water Ltd have begun talks on the future of the contract to run the desalination plant.
The chairman of the BWA, Dr Atlee Brathwaite, who confirmed the discussions, hinted that the 15-year BOLT?(build, operate, lease, transfer) deal to operate the $37 million plant at Spring Garden, St Michael would be extended. The contract ends in a year.
“The question of managing the facility is being discussed,” Brathwaite said. “There is a likelihood that the present managers will continue because they have the expertise and the transfer of that expertise is a slow process.”
Brathwaite also pointed out that the maintenance cost of the facility was high. “Given the fact that we have to maintain that plant, it may be that we will still need assistance from the private sector to maintain it at the level that is required,” he said.
