Representatives from major retail outlets attended a groundbreaking G-CREWS/Nawasa Suppliers Workshop on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.
This session marked the inaugural meeting under the G-CREWS project, aimed to address the escalating negative impacts of climate change on Grenada’s water sector.
Held at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, the workshop facilitated critical discussions on several key topics:
- The importation of more efficient water devices
- Reduction or curbing the importation of inefficient devices
- Securing a commitment from suppliers to import a substantial stock of materials to enhance water storage and rainwater harvesting systems
The workshop highlighted the potential benefits which can be realised as a result of actions by retailers. They include:
- Short-term improvement in water storage capacity
- Reduction in water usage through the adoption of efficient devices
- Augmentation of the municipal water supply provided by Nawasa
- Enhanced climate resilience within Grenada’s water sector
The G-CREWS project remains a crucial initiative for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of Grenada’s water resources amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Head of Project (GIZ) G-CREWS Marion Geiss addressed retailers, emphasising the necessity of a collaborative approach in having the tools necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the water supply. She highlighted data indicates the situation will progressively worsen in the coming years. “We need collective action in order to address the impacts of climate change on our water supply. One means of addressing this is through having additional storage capacity which can be drawn from individual rainfall collection and at the same time reduce our water usage by increased water efficient appliances, such as toilets, showerheads and faucets.”
2024 has posed significant challenges for the National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa), with drought-like conditions severely impacting water supply availability. Acting General Manager Terrence Smith, emphasised that this situation should serve as a wakeup call for everyone, as climate change is an enduring issue that cannot be ignored. “Your involvement will send a clear message to the citizenry that suppliers recognise the need for individuals and businesses to increase their water storage capacity, and thus through promotions and other incentives, they too should take advantage of securing themselves to avoid any future water crisis.”
Rainwater harvesting systems, promoted by both the G-CREWS project and Nawasa, were highlighted as an additional form of water supply and storage to bolster Grenada’s water resilience in the face of climate change. The 3-hour presentation was pivotal, with suppliers sharing insights on potential measures to promote the purchase of additional water storage capacity. During this exchange, challenges faced by customers, including financial and property constraints, were also discussed.
Nawasa
