New Water Transfer System for Grenada's Dry Season 

A new water transfer system undertaken by the Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) project will enhance water supply to residents in Grenada. The 7-Sisters water transmission system, a key component of the project, will channel water from the Eastern side of the island via new cross-country pipelines to communities in the Southeastern part which frequently experience water challenges.  

NAWASA’s Planning and Development Manager Mr. Whyme Cox said the ongoing construction works include: installation of a pumping station, installation of new pipelines and a solar Photovoltaic system: “This project is mainly a dry season project and for moments like now {rainy season} when the rain is not falling.”  

Though not within the initial scope of G-CREWS, it became imperative to have this transfer system. Several alternatives including: dam augmentation or new dams, were considered but found to be too costly. Hydrological analysis showed these alternatives would not meet demand during dry periods.    

Concerns raised in the stakeholder consultations included: extraction of water from the Great River beyond a healthy ecological flow, insufficient assessment and safeguarding to protect forest vegetation, habitats, and wildlife and the potential of landslide susceptibility. The project addressed these concerns through a series of community consultations and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). An ecologist was contracted by NAWASA for the development and implementation of the Terrestrial Biodiversity Management Plan and collaborates closely with the Department of Forestry. Moving forward, the effectiveness of the safeguarding measures will depend on strict monitoring during the construction and operational phases.  

Mr. Cox reiterated that NAWASA always ensures their actions never outweighs the positive benefits “All of these projects, when we implement them, we do so with as much caution as possible taking into consideration all users - farmers, river tubing operators”.  

Under the project a Grievance Redress Mechanism is in place for aggrieved citizens as an avenue to address any complaints.   

More than 11,000 residents in the SouthEastern part Grenada are expected to benefit directly from a better water supply in the dry season, upon completion by the first quarter in 2026.  

The G-CREWS project is jointly funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) the German Government and the Government of Grenada and aims to build climate resilience in the nation’s water sector.