ST. EUSTATIUS--St. Eustatius Utility Company STUCO is undergoing three major upgrades in an effort to stabilise the island’s water-supply operations.
STUCO’s chief executive officer (CEO) Fred Cuvalay stated that drinking water continues to be in “severe” demand. Therefore, the water plant is in operation 24 hours a day.
Cuvalay said the two oldest plants are giving problems because spare parts are no longer available, which is a problem during breakdowns. This became evident last week, but due to the ingenuity of STUCO’s staff the company was able to repair the issue.
The utility company also continues to struggle with issues with the water transport line. STUCO has experienced many leaks with the line, and last week a leak was discovered on the old section of the transport line opposite Gertrude Judson Bicentennial Public Library, which had to be repaired.
“Every interruption in the water plant or the water transport line poses a great risk to our ability to supply the public with drinking water,” Cuvalay said.
The water storage tank is also experiencing leaks. Three weeks ago, most of the leaks were repaired, but one leak still persists due to the presence of chlorine drying out the liner bag.
These issues and the present situation with the coronavirus make it imperative to have the construction of the new water storage tank completed within the established time frame. “It is very critical in this time of COVID that the company not miss any opportunity to complete the three projects as envisioned, given the dilemma and conundrum present on the island where an outbreak of COVID-19 cases has occurred, as well as the increased measures to contain the outbreak, in which water is a critical component to maintain proper hygiene as well as to manage the containment of the spread of COVID-19.
Last week, two 40-foot containers and one 20-foot container arrived with components for the expansion of the water plant. STUCO also welcomed personnel who have started the execution phase of the water plant installation. These critical workers, Cuvalay explained, are allowed to work according to “strict” quarantine protocols. They have to wear a mask when they are in the vicinity of STUCO workers while also maintaining social distance. He said he would never put the healthcare of STUCO workers at risk.
Cuvalay said he is “completely comfortable” with the fact that they can continue executing the projects in a safe manner, and have it completed in a timely manner as planned.
The company has also received seven 40-foot containers that contain material to complete the installation of the new water storage tank. The critical workers for this job have also arrived in Statia, and are in quarantine. These workers will also work under strict protocols. STUCO expects all three projects to be completed around the last week of October.
