As Barbados prepares to embark on a transformative $160 million water infrastructure upgrade, authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety measures designed to protect residents and minimize disruptions. At a recent public stakeholder engagement session held at Lester Vaughan School, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) unveiled a detailed Strategic Environmental and Social Management Plan (SESMP). This plan outlines 18 specific programs addressing critical areas such as occupational health and safety, road safety, air quality, noise control, and compliance monitoring. Federico Scodelaro of the IDB explained that the SESMP aims to conduct a thorough evaluation of environmental and social impacts, establish mitigation strategies, and implement robust management procedures to minimize risks throughout the project’s lifecycle, from construction to operation and eventual closure. Scodelaro highlighted potential challenges, including occupational accidents, dust and noise pollution, and temporary road diversions in high-traffic areas. However, he also pointed to the project’s positive outcomes, such as job creation, enhanced water supply reliability, and improved groundwater conservation. To ensure accountability, a three-tier grievance redress mechanism has been established, prioritizing urgent safety concerns for swift resolution. The infrastructure program is divided into four key components: $100 million for replacing 100 kilometers of deteriorated water mains, $50 million for leak detection and network optimization, $6 million for enhancing BWA’s technical capacity, and $4 million for staffing, audits, and SESMP implementation. BWA Project Manager Shelley Parris emphasized the project’s focus on improving service delivery, climate resilience, and resource management. She acknowledged the challenges of funding and the need for further upgrades, noting that while this project addresses 100 kilometers of mains, over 400 kilometers still require replacement. The full SESMP document is accessible online and at various public locations, including BWA headquarters and public libraries across Barbados.