The calendar and times of water tours are far from being respected in Guadeloupe. We observed this with residents, including many students, this time in the areas of Bas-du-Fort, the marina and Morne Lacrosse (border area of Gosier, Pointe-à-Pitre and Abymes). ). Water cuts occur daily and can last several days. On the spot, it’s exasperation. Subscribers do not agree to be subject to such a regime in 2024.
This week we are talking again about the problems of supplying drinking water to Guadeloupean homes. This time, let’s zoom in on the Bas-du-Fort sector (Le Gosier) and its surroundings. On site, the anger and weariness of the residents are increasing day by day. The announced water towers are far from being respected, according to them; they start well before the announced time and end well after.
We are cut off every day. Water tour times are completely theoretical; we are cut off largely before and largely after and there are whole days without water. There are days when we have 3 to 4 hours of water.
Resident of the Marisol residence, in Bas-du-Fort
In the end, when the water flows again in the taps, it comes as a surprise and, sometimes, it is not even for long.
Not having water has become the most normal thing. It’s the fact of having water that is abnormal! We have completely reversed the roles: there is often no water, only water!
Resident of the Marisol residence, in Bas-du-Fort
Difficult, in such conditions, to replenish supplies, or to do laundry, dishes and overdue cleaning.
For those affected, the D system takes precedence, particularly for washing.
For drinking and cooking, they have no choice but to buy bottled water. This obligation has a considerable impact on the meager budget of the many students housed in the area.
There are many students here who are in precarious circumstances. When there are water cuts lasting a week, it costs us quite a bit, around €40 to €50, for the water budget.
Student housed at the university residence, at the top of Morne Lacrosse
Repeated calls to the Joint Water and Sanitation Management Union of Guadeloupe (SMGEAG) change nothing. The switchboard operators respond, but have no response to provide, regret the residents condemned to suffer the intolerable.
They live to the rhythm of the water towers: those announced… and the others.
REPORTING/
Reporter: Eric Stimpfling
Editor: Karla Nérin
Mixer: Sébastien Edouard
#French
