Approximately 150 households within the Mt Granby and Mt Nesbit communities in St John, are poised to benefit from enhanced access to water, following the commissioning of a refurbished community water system.
This initiative marks a significant milestone for the Global Water Partnership–Caribbean (GWP-C) and the organisation’s ongoing efforts to ensure a water-secure Caribbean. Water scarcity has long been a pressing issue in these 2 communities, because of the old leaky pipes which resulted in increased abstraction of water from the source and reduction in the flow of water into the stream it feeds. This has impacted daily life and economic activities including agriculture, health, and overall quality of life of community members.
Through a project titled “The Mt Granby Community Water Improvement Project” which was funded by the Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) with co-financing from the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C), focus was placed on improving access to freshwater for human and ecosystem survival in the community.
“Our project was fueled by the belief that it would make a significant impact in these communities’ access to reliable water,” said GWP-C’s Programme Assistant, Kerron Martinez.
“This project was filled with valuable lessons about planning, adaptability and the strength found in collaboration. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and strategic partnerships,” he added.
Stephanie Bascombe, community member, expressed her appreciation, “For the volunteers and organization which assisted in the expansion of the dam which improved its capacity to the benefit of residents in the 2 communities.”
This project is expected to bring numerous benefits to the Mt Granby and Mt Nesbit communities. Included among them are increased water security, economic opportunities and empowerment.
Gregory Delsol, Member of the National Steering Committee for the GEF SGP explained, “The GEF SGP was happy to collaborate with this organisation and this community to ensure that this project was completed and improved the lives of residents in the 2 communities.”
Hon. Kerryne James, Member of Parliament for St John, expressed her gratitude to both the funding and implementing organisation and community members that supported the initiative. According to James, “The project helps in securing our water for future generations; this also helps our citizens to have access to safe and clean water but also protects the ecosystems that sustain us.”
Also participating in the commissioning were Terrisha Walcott-Pierre and Paulette Mitchell, 2 former Master of Public Health (MPH) candidates at St George’s University (SGU), who completed their practicum at the Global Water Partnership–Caribbean. As part of this activity, they presented the findings from the surveys and water quality tests completed in the Mt Granby and Mt Nesbit Communities.
The project was commissioned with an official pipe opening ceremony on Friday, 8 November 2024, at the Mt Granby Playing Field in St John, Grenada, witnessed by members of the community.
As GWP-C continues its mission to secure water access across the Caribbean, the Mt Granby and Mt Nesbit project highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation. This initiative not only addresses immediate water needs but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous future for Caribbean communities.
GWP-C
