We can’t do without it

 

Water 

Water! Water!  

It’s a liquid

A gas

And a solid

It is colourless, transparent and odorless.

It forms the seas, lakes, rivers and rain.

It’s the main fluid that makes up living organisms.

We can’t do without it!

It’s pure, natural and healthy

And is used by households and businesses.

So, let’s work together:

To transform, regulate and raise awareness

To enhance our water storage and supply systems

In this beautiful island call Grenada!

We’re so elated that you’ve launched

 

THE CLIMATE RESILIENT WATER SECTOR PROJECT

 

A reminder of the importance of water to our environment and the role it plays, as clearly articulated by the students from the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic School in Grand Anse, Grenada.  Their performance at the launch of the Climate- Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) Project on 25^th February, 2020 underscored three salient points: “Water – A precious resource”, “We can’t do without it!” and “Let’s work together”. Key messages needed in changing the behaviour and mindset of the citizens of the State of Grenada towards climate change and becoming climate resilient.

 

The launching of G-CREWS marked a glorious day for the Government of Grenada, as it is the largest investment in the water sector. Minister for Finance, Planning, Economic Development and Physical Development and Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell said “We are proud of this project and the fact that we are able to get the support for this important initiative. As pioneers in t

he climate financing arena, we take great pride in having G-CREWS as the first project approved by the Green Climate Fund for funding for Grenada”.

 

 

 

The Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) is a six-year project. The project is financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Government of Grenada, and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative (IKI).

 

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Physical Development; Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Energy, Transport and Implementation, the Grenada Development Bank (GDB) and the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) will implement the project’s five components.

 

The budget of the project is EUR45.297 million (approximately $135 million XCD).

 

Surveys undertaken by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) and other agencies revealed that water is a scarce resource in Grenada and climate change has already begun to aggravate the problem with an increasing average temperature and more erratic rainfall.

 

Minister for Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Energy, Transport and Implementation Hon. Gregory Bowen said “Residents in the South of the island receive less rainfall than the rest of mainland Grenada through-out the year. It is therefore important for all of us to ensure that we introduce water saving measures in our daily operations”.

 

A panel discussion featuring all Partners representing the Department of Economic and Technical Cooperation in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Physical Development; the Grenada Development Bank (GDB), the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) and the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) expounded on the benefits of the project to their sectors and the island. One of the project plans is the establishment of a Challenge Fund for Climate-Resilient Commercial water users. This will allow businesses within the hotel industry and farmers to tap into a financial grant to purchase and implement water-efficient equipment.

 

Businesses involved in agri-tourism initiatives and the project’s ability to assist in increased production was a key point raised by stakeholders during the discussion session at the launch.  Senator representing Agriculture and Fisheries in the Senate, Senator Dunstan Campbell said “we cannot produce at the time when we have the greatest market. Between December and April, when the demand for produce in the hotels and restaurants is high, we do not have the response because of the lack of water. What percentage of our production will be met as a result of this action, or is it too little or sufficient to meet the demand.”

 

Planning & Development Manager at NAWASA Mr. Whyme Cox, said “the fact that we are going to be able to have a more consistent supply of water. These projects – manufacturers, attraction sites should benefit tremendously”.

 

Head of Department of Economic & Technical Cooperation in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Physical Development Mr. Titus Antoine reminded stakeholders “what the project intends to do is to get you to use the water in a more efficient manner, how you are going to trap that water when it is available for use and when it is not available. Water efficiency must be considered when we are looking at the project, the project cannot create rain but it can help us to adapt and get the fixtures, faucets and the other technologies that can enable us to better use what we have.”

 

G-CREWS Envisioned Impact

This project is expected to transform Grenada’s water sector to meet its targets set out under the Sustainable Development Goal # 6 which speaks to ensuring availability of water for all and sustainable management of water resources.

 

All citizens of Grenada inclusive of the agricultural and commercial sectors will benefit from better water supply services, especially in times of drought and after extreme weather events.

 

• With the set-up of a Water Resource Management Unit, Grenada will strengthen the overall water governance of the tri-island state and will set out the conditions for sustainable water resource management.
• The Grenada Development Bank will set up and administer the Challenge Fund that assists grant recipients in agriculture and tourism to integrate water saving measures into their daily businesses.
• Through infrastructure improvement and the supply of additional storage tanks, Grenada will ensure that water supply is stabilized even throughout increasing droughts or disaster.
• To increase Grenada’s efficiency of the water supply system, thereby reducing water losses in the distribution system.
• The financeable viability of the water service structure will be supported by bringing the running costs, such as electricity costs down, by exploring and implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
• The project supports Grenada in becoming a regional front runner for climate-resilient water management. Other Caribbean countries will benefit from the constant sharing of success stories and lessons learnt from the G-CREWS project.

L-R: Mr. Russ Fielden, 1st Vice President, Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association; Mr. Whyme Cox, Planning & Development Manager, National Water & Sewerage Authority; Mr. Mervyn Lord, General Manager, Grenada Development Bank; Mr. Titus Antoine, Head, Department of Economic & Technical Cooperation, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Physical Development.