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Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 22, 2019 (SKNIS): In his address for World Water Day 2019 under the theme, “Leaving No One Behind”, Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Ian “Patches” Liburd, said that in addition to recognizing World Water Day, the Team Unity Government is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the water supply in the Federation.

“I must also reaffirm the commitment of your Team Unity Government to protecting our water supply, and making certain that every financial, economic , and social mechanism that is necessary to ensure the development of a resilient water system is put into place,” said the minister while stating that the commitment would “guarantee that we truly Leave No one Behind.”

He said that to further focus the attention on water related issues, the Water Services Department has planned a number of activities to commemorate World Water Day.

The activities include the first annual Open Day at the Water Services Department’s Compound at Needsmust on March 29, and a Walkthrough of the Basseterre Valley Wellfield Area on March 30^th.

Minister Liburd said that as the Water Services Department continues to build a more resilient water system, “we must remain vigilant, thankful and conscious”, while adding, “thankful that we are not a part of some of the very troubling statistics regarding water.”

He noted that billions around the world still do not have access to fresh water, or access is limited to a few hours a day.

“Over 700 children die every day of diarrhea linked to the consumption of unsafe water and poor sanitation practices stemming from lack of water; 159 million people collect their drinking water from polluted surface sources, such as ponds and streams,” he added.

The minister wished all a Happy World Water Day and said, “may I just remind us all that water is a critical building block of life. It is more than just an essentiality to quenching our thirst or protecting our health. Water is critical for creating jobs and stimulating economic, social, and human development.”

World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to draw attention to water which is a precious resource that covers 70 percent of the Earth’s surface but only less than one percent is available for human use.