Watching how the government deals with the current drought in Barbados is an interesting lesson in crisis management. The notice that is published in today's newspapers shows that the government/Barbados Water Authority (BWA) feels that despite the extensive dry period that has been hitting the island, and also many other islands in the Caribbean area, it feels that voluntary restraint is all that is needed now. Stage 1, which is what the BWA has now instituted, by 'encouraging customers to practise good water use habits and employ voluntary conservation measures' is something that should really be a basic aspect of how life is lived in a water scarce country.I'm one of those who thinks that voluntary measures would have been appropriate much earlier, if only to put into people's minds that the situation was grave some weeks ago, could get very serious, and that would require stiffer responses, including mandatory daytime shut-offs.
Having Stage 2 (which will be 'if the situation demands', whatever on Earth that means) may involve official prohibition and night-time shut offs in selected areas as a next step begs the question of how bad the situation needs to be before that stage is implemented. Stage 3, 'if the situation does not improve', will involve 'more austere measures' and 'extended shut-offs...even during the day'. To me, it is a wishy-washy approach that suggests that because 'most of our water systems have stood up relatively well when compared to our neighbours', and that Barbadians do not need to rethink radically how they approach water use. It seems to leave people with a sense of satisfaction that by having done nothing so far, the country has had enough of a response. So, the fact that some areas are having water problems and the numerous bush fires are almost normal. That does not seem to be the right message and response.Judging by the way that some people around me on Monday evening scurried in a panic when they started getting messages on their phones that there would be water shut offs with immediate effect. Anger that this could happen without prior warning quickly turned to a mad rush to go home and fill buckets. Within a day, the BWA was indicating that the messages were a hoax. But, people seem primed for a need for a very drastic limitation on regular water use. Should the government not encourage that response more vigorously?
2 comments:
It is possible that we are so busy keeping up with the JONES yesteryear practices are considered irrelevant, old fashioned, and in some cases a straight case of Alzimers. FYI when Hon Brandford Taitt gave an eloquent presentation on ways to save water and energy, the late Errol Barrow followed with: What energy crisis? In the 1980's my neighbor, in anticipation of such crises incorporated a tank in his system.
We seem to ignore practical living maybe is does not have the flavor of intectual mouthings. It wuld be interesting to learn how Bermuda is doing, if only because they hae long adjusted to certain realities.
WE - ALL IDEAS ARE FIRTS SPOKEN
I agree, keeping up with the Jones is killing us...Bajans are under the impression that the water, and water that is safe to drink, is gonna continue to flow. Where do they think all the pesticides they use are going? Do they care that their improperly built suck wells are introducing waste water into fresh water courses?
I am convinced, that my son picked up an intestinal parasite, aka gastro according to the Dr.,from contaminated water last year. The Dr. specifically told me that I would get it if it was indeed a virus-- my son was sick for nearly 10 days straight, and surprise surprise I was entirely unaffected. We no longer drink unfiltered water.
So soon Bajans will wake up and realize that the water supply is not as "protected" nor "safe" as they would like to think-- things like fish kills, increases in cancer rates, etc are no accident.
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