The recent growth of tourism in St Kitts, a major source of revenue, has put increasing strains on the island's water and electricity supply. To address these problems the Government of St Kitts and Nevis embarked on a major project to upgrade the Water and Electricity infrastructure of St Kitts.
In February 2003 Crown Agents entered into a contract with the Government of St Kitts to supply goods and services to the value of $9 million paid by way of a credit extended by Scotiabank Europe, arranged by Crown Agents, and guaranteed by ECGD. The project was subsequently extended by a further $3.5 million being funded by way of a letter of credit issued by Scotiabank.
Crown Agents worked closely with the Ministry of Public Works in drawing up the scope and developing detailed equipment specifications based on best current practice. This ensured it was possible to obtain competitive offers resulting in maximum value for money to the Government of St. Kitts.
The main work undertaken for the water project was conducting a drilling programme to locate viable reserves, providing pumping stations for the new wells and replacing and upgrading a large amount of the underground water distribution system. The main work undertaken for the electricity project was circumnavigating the island with a new underground 11kv electricity distribution system, replacing the overhead distribution line and providing upgraded switchgear.
By the beginning of 2007 most of the materials had been delivered with some commissioning services yet to be undertaken. The result has been a significant improvement in the utilities distribution system with a considerable reduction in interruptions in supply taking place.