St. Kitts-Nevis Celebrates World Water Day
(ZIZ News) – St. Kitts and Nevis joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Water Day on Sunday March 22nd, although locally, a week of activities has been planned.
World Water Day is being commemorated under the theme “Water and Sustainable Development”.
Minister with responsibility for Natural Resources, the Hon. Ian Liburd said “The theme highlights how water is linked to all areas we need to consider to create the future we deserve.”
He added, “This year, the United Nations has focused on the following areas: health, nature, urbanization, industry, energy, food and equality.”
Noting the connection between having access to safe drinking water and human health, Minister Liburd said St. Kitts-Nevis has made considerable strides in ensuring that everyone has that access.
“There has always been a direct correlation between access to safe drinking water and human health. This is evidenced in St. Kitts and Nevis by our low infant mortality rate and decreasing incidences of gastrointestinal illnesses among our populace. This was achieved by providing universal access to drinking water and a programme of disinfection of the Nation’s water supply,” Minister Liburd explained.
He said existing legislation ensures that water sheds will be protected, adding that the Basseterre Valley Aquifer was declared a National Park to ensure water sustainability.
“To meet the increasing demand for water in the local industry, your government will invest in deep well drilling in order to bring on stream, another two million gallons per day by December 2015. Water is energy. Water and energy are natural partners. Water is required to generate energy. Energy is required to deliver water. The Water Services Department is one of the highest users of energy on the island. Your government therefore, pledges to explore renewable sources of energy to meet the department’s increasing energy demand,” he said.
The worldwide observance of World Water Day is being spearheaded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).