In the case of the Saint-Louis catchment station, the drought has caused a phenomenon of saline intrusion, making the water unfit for consumption. Although water remains usable for hygiene and household chores, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) has recommended against its consumption. In order to guarantee access to drinking water for residents, the municipality of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, with the Prefecture of Guyana, have put in place several measures, including a collaboration to distribute drinking water in schools and install free distribution points throughout the municipality thanks to the requisition of the Adapted Military Service Regiment.
Sophie Charles, mayor of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, explained that the city has taken specific measures to avoid any impact on residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
“We have set up five tarpaulins with drinking water to allow everyone to help themselves for free without having to buy bottled water”she clarified. These distribution points are distributed in several districts of the city, thus providing easy access to drinking water.
Tarpaulins, with a capacity varying between 5 and 10 cubic meters, are filled regularly by the ASGDE (Société Guyanaise des Eaux) and are accompanied by mediators to ensure their proper functioning. “As soon as a tarpaulin is empty, it is immediately filled again. There is no rationing”affirmed Sophie Charles, emphasizing that this solution makes it possible to meet the needs of the population without limitations.
Guarantee access to drinking water for children and schools
The city's schools are particularly affected by this situation, because drinking water cannot be supplied directly through the usual networks. Sophie Charles explained that, to guarantee access to drinking water for students, a bottle distribution system was put in place. “As of this morning, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., we distributed 1000 packs of water in schools so that each child can drink”said the mayor. This system should cover water needs for a week, and daily deliveries will be organized if necessary.
“Children are not rationed, everyone can drink as they wish”added Sophie Charles, stressing that sufficient stocks have been ordered to avoid any shortage. “We have ordered enough water to last a week, and deliveries are already underway”.
Specific measures for patients with renal failure
In addition, specific distributions of water bottles will also be organized for patients with kidney failure, particularly those in stages 4 and 5. This system is set up in coordination with the region's dialysis centers and the town hall, in order to to meet the needs of this particularly vulnerable population.
The drinking water crisis in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, linked to saline intrusion, is a major challenge for the municipality, but the local authorities, in collaboration with the prefecture and the health services, are acting to guarantee a free and secure access to drinking water for all.
Damien CHAILLOT
