The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

ON SATURDAY, the Water and Sewerage Corporation gave an explanation for recent water supply disruptions in Central Eleuthera, but said it expected them to be resolved by Sunday.

The company explained that during the evening of Thursday, August 4, electrical power supply to the desalination plant in Governors Harbour (Naval Base) was lost for a period of time.

“On resumption of the power supply, the plant began experiencing irregular incoming voltage,” WSC said. “This irregular voltage caused severe damage, including equipment wiring to be burnt resulting in the failure of the plant’s electrical system. As a result, one of the two desalination water production trains at the plant had to be shut down resulting in a reduction of the volume of water produced.

“Subsequently, the water available for distribution to our valued customers has been decreased. During such times, there will be areas at the extremities of the system and also at higher elevations which will experience low pressure and at times no water situations. Electricians from our Desalination Plant Contractor are actively working along with our stakeholders in the electricity supply sector to resolve the issues of irregular electrical power being supplied to the plant.

“In addition, replacement electrical parts have been air lifted to Eleuthera. Efforts to resolve this issue will continue through the weekend with full resolution expected by Sunday, August 7, 2022.”

The Corporation apologised to their customers in Central Eleuthera for the water supply disruptions that may have occurred since Thursday and “may still be experiencing at this hour.”

WSC provides over 500,000 imperial gallons of desalinated water to customers in Central Eleuthera on a daily basis. This water services Governor’s Harbour, Palmetto Point, Savannah Sound and Windermere in the south and as far north as James Cistern, Hatchet Bay and Gregory Town.

The company has had a few issues with water supply in the area recently. Back in June, it announced it would execute a $2.7 million contract for two tanks and a further $525,000 in related support works in view of water supply interruptions on Central Eleuthera. The company advised customers on the island that WSC experienced a major mechanical failure at their Naval Base Desalination Plant.

In July, it explained a major mechanical failure at their Naval Base desalination plant that day would result in some customers experiencing no water supply.