Water Crisis in Guadeloupe: Malicious Acts Deprive 37,000 of Potable Water
Guadeloupe, a French overseas department in the Caribbean, is facing a severe water crisis after malicious acts on its water network on the night of Tuesday, February 19th. As of Thursday, February 20th, over 37,000 people, approximately 10% of the population, remain without access to clean drinking water.
Investigation and Response
The prefecture of Guadeloupe has launched an investigation into the incident, which has been classified as "theft." The investigation centers around the theft of equipment from a pumping station, disrupting the water supply to a large portion of the Grande-Terre region.
Authorities are working to gradually restore water service, but progress is hindered by pressure drops in one of the archipelago’s major pipelines, supplying nearly 40% of the population. The Syndicat Mixte de Gestion des Eaux et de l’Assainissement de la Guadeloupe (SMGEAG) is conducting ongoing investigations to determine the origin of the damage.
Emergency Measures
To mitigate the crisis, the prefecture is distributing water supplies and mobilizing resources:
- 33 pallets of bottled water are expected to be delivered on Friday by the SMGEAG.
- Water tanks are being filled in the municipality of Gosier.
- 29 pallets of water have already been dispatched to affected municipalities.
- High-traffic tourist areas such as Sainte-Anne and Saint-François are expected to have water service restored by Friday morning.
Continued Requisition of Workers
The prefecture has extended its requisition of SMGEAG workers until Friday, potentially continuing through the weekend if negotiations remain stalled. The decision was made to prevent further acts of sabotage.
Labor Dispute as Background
The water network damage occurred amidst an ongoing labor strike by SMGEAG agents since the end of January. The strike stems from demands related to health insurance and retirement benefits.
Negotiations between the union representatives and the four governance stakeholders have reached an impasse. However, a meeting is scheduled for Friday between union representatives and the leadership of the water authority, the state, the region, and the department. Both the region and the department have remained silent throughout the crisis.
Precautionary Measures
To prevent further malicious acts, sensitive sites within the water network will be secured overnight from Thursday to Friday.
