The mayor of Deshaies Jeanny Marc is opposed to the transfer of water management from Eaux’Nodis to SMGEAG. Currently, 120m3 of water is billed at €282 by the authority. The amount applied by the single union will be €522, or 80% more. With this example, the elected official intends to mobilize the Deshaisiens, invited to a gathering this Monday evening. There is no question of abandoning the current DSP operation if it means suffering such an impact, according to the mayor. His counterpart from Lamentin Jocelyn Sapotille, in the same situation, agrees with this point of view, which he defends.
The population of the commune of Deshaies is invited to a meeting, this Monday, May 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., on the town hall square. This meeting, at the initiative of Mayor Jeanny Marc, will have the theme of water governance. It follows the publication of an open letter by the councilor last week.
Jeanny Marc affirms: “We will have to reckon with the Deshaisians!”.
The elected official firmly opposes “substantial modifications” planned as part of the award of the drinking water management contract to Deshaies.
Water, a precious resource, is currently managed in Deshaies, but also in Lamentin, as part of a public service delegation (DSP).
Just like the other municipalities of Guadeloupe (with the exception of those of Marie-Galante), they are members of the Joint Union for Water and Sanitation Management of Guadeloupe (SMGEAG). But their mode of operation differs. To this day, these two municipalities still operate with their own management: Eaux’Nodis; a system that they intend to keep.
However, SMGEAG is set to become the sole water operator in Guadeloupe. Ultimately, in accordance with the provisions provided for at its creation, on 1er September 2021, Deshaies and Lamentin therefore have the obligation to join this union and, therefore, to exit their derogatory regime.
Hence the outcry from Jeanny Marc. Just like her counterpart in Lamentin, Jocelyn Sapotille, she considers the current situation more advantageous for her constituents.
A meeting of the SMGEAG tender commission was held on April 30. It was on this occasion that Jeanny Marc learned of the details of the modifications that will impact the Deshaisiens.
It is an extension of the DSP that has been proposed, but with notable changes.
“We were stunned.”declared the mayor, who lists the planned arrangements: “80% increase in the price of water”“elimination of the differentiated rate and application of a single rate, without distinction between individuals and businesses”“there billing will no longer be bimonthly but four-monthly”notably.
NO to changing the management method of production and drinking water supply services in Deshaies! NO to the excessive increase in the price of water in Deshaies! NO to unilateral decision-making on essential issues for the Deshaisians!
Jeanny Marc, mayor of Deshaies (excerpt from her open letter)
The mayor of Deshaies advocates maintaining a local service, in quantity and quality.
The mayor of Lamentin Jocelyn Sapotille shares the opinion of his counterpart in Deshaies.
Deshaies was a good student, Deshaies knew how to manage his water correctly and has the lowest price in Guadeloupe. It is not normal today that we punish the people of Deshaies and that we punish the commune of Deshaies, by offering them an extension of their DSP, which would increase the price of water by 80%. It is not normal !
Jocelyn Sapotille, mayor of Lamentin and president of the association of mayors of Guadeloupe
Jocelyn Sapotille denounces the level of water pricing in Guadeloupe; it is the highest in France. The price is €3.17/m3 on average in the archipelago, compared to €2.75/m3 in Martinique, €2.06/m3 in Corsica.
In Deshaies, the price per m3 is €2.21. We want to increase it by 80%! It is not normal !
Jocelyn Sapotille, mayor of Lamentin
Jocelyn Sapotille also wants to reassure her population: discussions and negotiations are underway, so that the price of water does not vary in Lamentin and that the DSP is maintained.
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