The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) has completed seven of nine new glass-fused-to-steel water storage tanks under its Strategic Development Project, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve the island’s water supply system and strengthen resilience against future disruptions.
According to DOWASCO Public Relations Officer Kimani St. Jean, the utility has made substantial progress across all major components of the project despite a number of implementation challenges. She said the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved an extension of the project’s terminal disbursement date from March 30, 2026, to September 30, 2026, allowing the remaining works to be completed successfully.
The completed storage tanks are located in Castle Bruce, Calibishie, Morne Jaune, Grand Fond, Salisbury, and Grand Savanne, with two tanks constructed in Castle Bruce. Work has also commenced on the concrete foundation for the tank at Morne Rachette, while a ninth facility remains under development.
Once all nine tanks are completed, they will increase DOWASCO’s total water storage capacity by approximately 1,195,000 imperial gallons, providing a minimum of two days of water storage for the benefiting communities. Officials say the additional capacity will improve service reliability while making the national water supply system more resilient during periods of drought, emergencies and severe weather events.
Seja also reported significant progress on the installation of new pipelines. Pressure testing has been substantially completed in Castle Bruce, while similar testing is expected to begin shortly in Calibishie. Following successful testing, DOWASCO will disinfect the pipelines, transfer customer service connections and complete final road reinstatement works.
Additional activities planned over the coming weeks include completing river and ravine crossings in Calibishie and Morne Jaune, constructing three pump houses and four chlorinator buildings, and finishing pipeline installations in Morne Rachette after the arrival of additional pipes and fittings expected in mid-August.
DOWASCO says the Strategic Development Project is designed to modernize the island’s water infrastructure while improving the reliability, quality and resilience of water services for communities across Dominica. Once completed, the investment is expected to provide more secure water supplies, reduce service interruptions and strengthen the country’s ability to respond to future climate-related challenges.
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