Nevis -- May 27, 2008 -- Premier of Nevis Hon. Joseph Parry reassured Nevisians on Monday May 26, 2008, that the water shortages they have been experiencing would be rectified in the next four weeks.
 
In a televised report on NTV Channel 8, of the Nevis Island Administration's (NIA) activities for the week of May 19, 2008, Mr. Parry said that Bedrock Exploration and Development Technologies (BEAD), had last week given the NIA the assurance that additional water from a discovered well at Maddens which produced over 300 gallons of water per minute, would be available to consumers early next month.
 
"We were informed by BEAD the company thats doing the drilling, that it will take four weeks to have that well connected to the system. That connection will not take place before June 10th.   I would prefer to say before the 17th of June. We have been told that a pump is under construction and supplies have been bought and they should be here no later that June 10th. It will take a week to put other things in place.
 
"We were also told, there is a well in the Hickmans area which produces 170 gallons of water per day that is down [out of commission]. We sought to get the assistance from the Federal government but their drill is down and so we have spoken to BEAD and we have asked them to cease their operations and to help us with this well. As soon as this new well is done, it will relieve some of the pressure that we are under in terms of water," he said.
 
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Senior Scientist to the water exploration project, Geologist, Dr. Ronald B. Hoag Jr. of Bedrock Exploration and Development Technologies (BEAD) checks the water from the Maddens well  (file photo)
Mr. Parry explained that BEAD had also disclosed that they had found enough water to satisfy the entire island of Nevis for the present time but at the end of their drilling operations it would be in a position to eventually provide adequate water to supply the island with water for the next 5-10 years.
 
In the interim, he said water would be available everyday to most parts of the island but persons should exercise prudence in their use of the resource.
 
"In the meantime the drought continues. We are asking people to be careful how they use the water - not to water their gardens, wash their vehicles everyday. [They should] turn all pipes off [and] listen to the radio and television to know if water is being taken off in a particular area. Make sure that you store water until the supplies come back.
 
"Let me inform you, water will be available everyday in most areas only one or two higher areas will have a problem...we want you to listen carefully and make use of the water that is available to you. I am saying again and I repeat, that in the next four weeks the problem would be resolved and even if the drought continues, water will be available to all of us," he said.