分类： society

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is intensifying its initiatives to bolster communication with partner utilities and expedite road reinstatements post-pipe repairs, according to Director of Engineering Charles Leslie. Speaking at a recent press conference, Leslie highlighted the development of specialized applications designed to streamline information sharing and coordination. ‘Over the past few months, we’ve collaborated closely with sister utilities and our ministry. We’ve implemented apps that enable us to pinpoint issues, document necessary actions, and ensure contractors are fully informed before commencing repairs,’ Leslie explained. These applications facilitate real-time data exchange with the National Petroleum Corporation and the Ministry of Public Works, ensuring seamless collaboration across agencies. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp addressed ongoing delays in road reinstatements, emphasizing a new strategy to mitigate the issue. ‘We’ve established a schedule of rates with contractors, assigning specific groups to handle temporary reinstatements. Once completed, the Ministry of Transport and Works engages contractors for permanent repairs,’ Mapp stated. This approach aims to minimize delays and reduce hazards associated with open roads. Hydrogeologist Jaime Paul provided insights into the BWA’s dye tracing project, which monitors underground water movement and identifies potential contaminants. ‘By injecting dye and deploying receptors at various locations, we can track water pathways and assess timeframes. This data is crucial for effective water resource management,’ Paul noted. The project also aids in detecting water loss through sinkholes, offering a clearer understanding of subterranean dynamics. Additionally, the BWA is upgrading its tanker fleet to address water shortages in high-demand areas. Leslie detailed the implementation of beacons on tankers to improve operational efficiency. ‘Beacons signal when tankers are deploying water and turn off during refills, allowing customers to anticipate service schedules,’ he explained. Customer feedback continues to play a pivotal role in optimizing water distribution, ensuring resources reach those in greatest need.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has announced a comprehensive strategy to overhaul its aging water infrastructure, which has been in operation for over a century. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp revealed that much of the island’s water network is over 80 years old, resulting in frequent service and main breaks. Service breaks, affecting smaller pipes connecting to individual properties, occur 1,200 to 1,500 times monthly, while main breaks, impacting larger pipes and entire neighborhoods, happen 80 to 100 times each month. Mapp emphasized the BWA’s commitment to delivering quality service despite these challenges, stating, “A lot goes on in the background to ensure we meet our customers’ needs.” Improving communication with residents is a top priority, with plans to provide timely updates on outages and restoration efforts. Marketing Officer Yvette Harris highlighted the vast scale of the network, spanning 2,500 kilometers of mains and 50 facilities, including pumping stations and reservoirs, all operating around the clock. Director of Engineering Charles Leslie outlined the BWA’s long-term vision, including the recently completed Water and Wastewater Master Plan, which sets a 30-year roadmap for infrastructure improvements. Modernization efforts will leverage advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. GIS maps the entire water network, aiding in repair planning, while SCADA monitors the system in real time to detect issues before they affect customers. The BWA also aims to reduce non-revenue water losses from over 40% to 30% by 2030, reflecting a commitment to efficiency and reliability. Mapp stressed the importance of proactive maintenance and community engagement, stating, “We need to get out into the community, listen to their concerns, and demonstrate our ability to deliver reliable service.”

The CIBC Caribbean Regional Unsung Heroes Awards Ceremony, held at Harrison’s Cave on Saturday night, celebrated three remarkable women for their profound yet often overlooked contributions to their communities. After a decade-long hiatus, the program was revived this year, spotlighting individuals whose acts of kindness and service exemplify the essence of Caribbean humanity. A distinguished regional panel, led by Senator Francis Lewis of Trinidad and Tobago, selected the winners from a pool of deserving nominees. Lucinda Smith from the British Virgin Islands emerged as the overall winner, recognized for her decades-long dedication to providing food, particularly for the terminally ill. Described as a ‘woman with a big heart,’ Smith’s philosophy of sharing what little one has has transformed countless lives, earning her the top prize of US$5,000. Venetta Zakers of St Kitts and Nevis, the second-place winner, received US$3,000 for her empowering initiatives, including youth mentorship and the Entrepreneurship Behind Bars program, which equips female inmates with business skills for life after prison. Joshuanette Francis of Antigua and Barbuda, the second runner-up, was awarded US$2,500 for her advocacy work through Good Humans 268, focusing on disability awareness, climate justice, and youth empowerment. Olivia Burnett, associate counsel of CIBC Caribbean, praised the winners and all nominees for their selflessness and service, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to community transformation. Since its inception, the CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation has invested over US$32 million in projects promoting health, education, and environmental sustainability across the Caribbean.