St Helena : New/Old Source for Farmers' Water
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 04.02.2005 (Article Archived on 18.02.2005)
Garron Yon tells us more. Photo (c) Garron Yon - the water tanks that hold waste water for farmers.
Water for Farmers
Water Tanks for the waste water.
The water shortage has prompted the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department to take steps to ensure that farmers are not without water for their gardens.
Herman Williams, Senior Engineer Water, said at the moment there is no overflow of water at the Hutts Gate Treatment Plant due to “dry weather”. There have been “no proper rains since September 2004” said Herman. While there is sufficient water for household consumption, this means there is very little water for those farmers who are connected to the three reservoirs that collect overflow water at Longwood. This dry weather also affects farmers who are getting their water from the domestic supply, as their usage is restricted.
Gerald Benjamin, the Acting Chief Agricultural and Natural Resources Officer said the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department recognise the problem, and as a solution, they will purchase water from Sharks Valley for farmers. This will be pumped into the three reservoirs at Longwood and sold to farmers at the department’s subsidised rate.
The department recognises the need for farmers to have water, particularly as this supports the Island’s strategic objective, which deals with the development of a healthy community, as a constant supply of fresh vegetable is of paramount importance if this objective is to be achieved.
The Water Division will continue to source more water for the Island by continuing with the DFID funded project, which involves replacing pipes and constructing new storage tanks, and by ground water investigations.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
2 February 2005
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