Barbadians have been urged to implement water conservation methods, as this country begins a season of drought.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources, Santia Bradshaw, made the appeal this morning at the Post-Cabinet press conference at the Barbados Water Authority’s headquarters, The Pine, St. Michael.
Ms. Bradshaw noted that with the extremely dry conditions across the country leading to fires and respiratory illnesses and the impact on the farming community, the conservation measures were necessary.
She announced that from Monday, April 24, until Friday, June 30, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) would introduce measures to conserve water.
“These measures prohibit the use of potable water for the irrigation or watering of gardens, lawns, and grounds by hose or by sprinkler systems. Also prohibited is the filling or supply of tanks, ponds, baths or swimming pools, other than for dipping tanks for cattle, domestic baths not exceeding 120 litres or 32 gallons in capacity, and elevated reserve tanks not exceeding 800 litres or 211 gallons in capacity and connected to household sewerage or water.
“We’ve also prohibited washing roadways, pavements, paths, garages, out rooms, or vehicles by hose. Also, prohibition is on the washing of windows and building exteriors,” she stated.
The Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and the Barbados Meteorological Services have predicted that the April to June period would have very low levels of rainfall, and Barbados would experience drought conditions during this period.
Ms. Bradshaw said the BWA and Government would continue to monitor the situation and keep the public informed of any updates, while having discussions with the citizens of Barbados, Ministry of Agriculture, the Barbados Hotel Association and other stakeholders.
She added that any breaches should be reported to the BWA via its hotline number, 434-4292, and the fine for breaking the prohibition would be BDS $500.00, or one-month imprisonment. (PR/GIS)
