Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has categorically denied rumors of an impending 32% water tariff increase, stating that no such proposal has reached his Cabinet or the national utilities regulator. The clarification came during Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing on February 16, where Pierre addressed growing public anxiety over potential rate changes.
The water crisis continues to plague Saint Lucia, with the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) attributing persistent supply disruptions to aging infrastructure and shifting climate patterns. Recent scheduled maintenance on raw water pipelines resulted in significant leaks, leaving northern communities without potable water for several days. The situation forced temporary closures of businesses, schools, and government departments, exacerbating public frustration.
Social media speculation about tariff increases gained momentum against this backdrop of service interruptions. The National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) issued an official statement confirming that no final determination has been made regarding water rates. The regulatory body emphasized that figures circulating online are “neither confirmed nor final.”
According to established procedure, any proposed tariff adjustment must undergo comprehensive legal assessment, economic analysis, and public consultation before implementation. The NURC is currently conducting its Triennial Tariff Review and has encouraged stakeholders to participate through official channels rather than relying on unofficial sources.
Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged the severity of the water shortage while outlining his administration’s efforts to identify alternative water sources and implement interim solutions. “WASCO and water is a major concern,” Pierre stated, characterizing the approach as “a step-by-step situation” while expressing hope that the upcoming dry season would be less severe than predicted.