The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is poised to transform its national water infrastructure, with revolutionary investments projected to provide continuous water access to 70 percent of households. This breakthrough follows the imminent full commissioning of the state-of-the-art Basseterre Desalination Plant, a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to address long-standing water scarcity issues.
Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for Water Services, announced this historic achievement during his address in the 2026 Budget Debate on December 18, 2025. Minister Maynard emphasized that the new desalination facility will drastically reduce the national water supply deficit and ensure climate-resilient water security for future generations. The plant represents a transformative solution to drought vulnerabilities that have plagued the island nation.
This administration has executed a comprehensive water sector overhaul, increasing related budgetary allocations by over 400 percent within three years to revitalize infrastructure neglected for decades. Beyond desalination, the strategy includes aggressive groundwater exploration, highlighted by the commissioning of a new well in Cayon complemented by a 500,000-gallon storage tank to optimize distribution. Supplementary infrastructure upgrades involve procuring a 200,000-gallon tank for Dieppe Bay and replacing 15,000 feet of aging pipelines across the Southeast Peninsula.
Cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role, with drone-assisted hydrogeological surveys identifying 17 potential well sites—nine of which are prioritized for immediate development. Construction of the first new well in Saddler’s Village is scheduled to commence before year-end.
Additional landmark projects include the operational 70,000-gallon-per-day solar-powered desalination plant at the Canada Industrial Site, developed in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, and the upcoming US$47 million TransWater Project funded by the Green Climate Fund. Minister Maynard affirmed that these strategic investments signify a definitive resolution to water insecurity, securing a sustainable hydrological future for all citizens.