Guided hike of Stonefort Water Source part of World Water Week activities

Old Road Reservoir (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

BASSETERRE, ST.KITTS, MARCH 15TH 2012 (CUOPM) – Visits to schools, a church service, a guided hike of the Stonefort Water Source and a joint activity with the Department of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission are among activities planned to observe World Water Week of Activities.

Dr. Halley Sahely of the St. Kitts Water Services Department said World Water Day is on Thursday March 22nd.

She said it is being observed “as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.”

She disclosed that the staff of the department will be engaging the community by visiting schools, both primary and secondary, appearing on radio and TV, hosting a joint activity with the Department of Agriculture and Taiwan Technical Mission as well as facilitating a guided hike to one of our water sources.

“The theme adopted this year is ‘Water and Food Security’. Water connects us all. There is no doubt that water is a necessary ingredient for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Do you know how much water is needed to produce one tomato or 1 pound of beef? Water is a necessary ingredient for food production and one that must be used efficiently to ensure it is available insufficient quantity and quality for generations to come,” said Dr. Sahely.

She pointed out that as efforts are made to promote economic diversification, “we will face an increasing demand in freshwater especially in the production of food.”

“We need to ensure there is enough water to balance our needs for food and nutrition security. Together, we must work through this challenge and create opportunities for change and for the betterment of our people while preserving and protecting a vital resource for all,” said Dr. Sahely.

The week begins with a Church Service at the Mount Carmel Baptist at Bourryeau and a ministerial statement by the Minister of Public Utilities, the Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin on Sunday 18th March.

There will be talks in primary and high schools and on radio and television appearances from Monday 19th to Thursday 22nd March.

On Friday 23rd March there will be a joint activity with the Department of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission at the Agro-Processing Facility at Needsmust.