Government’s water policy may take a year to implement

It may be another several months before the government’s planned water policy and its overarching legislation are able to be fully implemented and put into effect.

The government’s water policy is expected to be introduced as part of a new law aimed at streamlining the delivery of water services for farmers at Paraquita Bay and other farming areas, and will likely include the long-talked-about reservoir promised by the government.

Junior Minister for Agriculture, Dr Karl Dawson, gave that indication recently while speaking with the media, noting that in the intervening period, the government needs to do its best to continue to help farmers improve their situation.

“I will tell you that the long-term desirable solution (the legislation)… it’s very much in sight, but it’s close to a year for its implementation,” Dr Dawson said. “When that is in the case, I think we would really have tremendous opportunities for farmers there at Paraquita Bay.”

Last year, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley defended his government’s advocacy for farmers, arguing that much has been done for the agricultural sector and that his government made some real efforts to get water to farmers, particularly in the Paraquita Bay area.

Back then, Premier Wheatley acknowledged some of the struggles faced by farmers, particularly in relation to water access and usage, and asked for their continued patience in achieving a long-term resolution.

“We have challenges with water and, therefore, we are introducing a water policy and we are making plans to build a reservoir specifically for Paraquita Bay to continue the rehabilitation of wells and even drilling new wells,” Dr Wheatley said.

According to the Premier, the Water & Sewerage Department (WSD) ran a new pipe from the Sabbath Hill Reservoir from the Spring Ghut area, down to Paraquita Bay to help farmers get water.

Prior to this, the Premier explained, farmers were given free water from a cistern. He also noted that this cistern would eventually be used by the sewerage treatment plant.

Dr Wheatley previously said the government’s Food Security and Sustainability law will tackle several issues that affect the industry including water shortage, lack of capital, and inadequate land space.