A promise has been made to the people of Anguilla that there will soon be some well-needed improvement to the water supply on the island. The assurance has come from Mr Evan Gumbs, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Public Utilities. He was at the time speaking at a recent public meeting of the governing Anguilla United Movement.
His statement came while the island was experiencing severe drought conditions which were only relieved at the onslaught of Hurricane Gonzalo and in the aftermath. The rain considerably increased the water levels in cisterns and other catchments of householders.
Without actually pointing to a solution to the water problem, which resulted in a system of rationing at various locations in Anguilla, the Minister said in part: “It has taken us some time, and cost us some money, to work through the mess to getting our water issue resolved – and I know you have been hearing all kinds of hoopla from the opposition. I even heard recently, from a candidate in the opposition, that I went to EXCO and removed Section (d) [of the Water Corporation of Anguilla 2014 Business Plan]. I want that candidate to know that I did consult with the AG’s Chambers before I went to Council to remove Section (d)”.
By way of explanation, according to the Minister’s paper submitted to EXCO, the purpose for the removal of the section was “because the Water Corporation, as a Statutory Body, has the power to conduct its own procurement using a transparent process of its own choosing. As a result the three-person team mentioned in Section (d) is not necessary.”
In his public meeting address, Minister Gumbs further said: “The AUM has met a lot of difficulty with the agreements that were made by the former administration over water. In fact, these agreements created much legal wrangling that have cost this AUM government long and hard to get the problem fixed – and I am pleased to say that we are now on our way to having a sustainable and affordable water supply for you.”
Mr Gumbs went on: “Now, I know that water is a necessity and everyone is anxious to know when this will happen; but I like to be truthful and I cannot say that it will happen tomorrow; or next week or even next month, but it will happen and we are working so that it happens for you. So I am asking you, please to be patient because it is not something that can be done overnight; so please I am asking you to be patient.”
From the viewpoint of the Anguillian public, all that is generally known is that a number of potential water suppliers from abroad submitted proposals to the Anguilla Water Corporation Board for selection. At one point, it was rumoured that the signing of an agreement was imminent, but nothing further has been heard.
The questions from the public are likely to continue until some credible information is provided, and some actual work commences by an approved water provider.
