Basseterre, St. Kitts (Public Infrastructure News) – The community of Saddlers is at the epicenter of a new phase of activity at the Water Services Department (WSD), following the commencement of drilling of a new well on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
The drilling symbolizes the commitment of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, through the Water Services Department, to address the decade-long water shortage that has plagued the island.
The WSD has prioritized improving water service reliability around the entire island. In the capital, crew at the newly constructed Basseterre Desalination Plant are commissioning the facility that will introduce 2 million gallons of water per day into the water distribution network that supplies Basseterre and its surrounding areas. Since late December 2025, residents in nearby areas have received a continuous supply of water, ending the nightly interruptions the WSD introduced as a necessary conservation method.
In the rural areas, a mix of underground water sources and desalination has brought service back to satisfactory levels in places like Cayon and Canada Estate. With attention keenly focussed on other rural areas for their potential to provide additional sources of water, Saddlers is now at ground zero.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the WSD consulted geologist Dr. Roland Hoag of Bear Rock Consulting Inc., whose innovate aerial surveys identified 17 potential sites for new wells. Saddlers is the first of those sites to be drilled. Eight others have been prioritized.
In December 2025, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Hon. Konris Maynard, indicated that a budget of $8 million had been proposed for drilling activity. By January 8, 2026, drilling equipment had arrived on the island for mobilization to the site.
WSD Water Manager and Engineer, Cromwell Williams, said:
“The drilling of numerous wells around the island during 2026 will see all communities which currently suffer from water shortage return to a 24-hour supply.”
– Cromwell Williams
As drilling continues, Public Infrastructure News will bring you the latest developments.
