ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius--The Statia Government has launched a new water security initiative aimed at strengthening local agriculture and food security through the construction of three water retention ponds that will collect and store rainwater from the island’s solar park.
The project will increase Statia’s water storage capacity from approximately 3,000 cubic meters to 15,000 cubic meters, a fivefold expansion intended to provide farmers with a more reliable supply for irrigating crops, particularly during dry periods. Government said the initiative is part of a broader drive to support the agricultural sector and improve long-term resilience for local production.
Work has already begun. The first phase, excavation of the ponds, is currently underway, and installation of pond lining is expected in the coming weeks. Once completed, the new ponds are expected to strengthen water availability for farmers and reduce uncertainty linked to rainfall variability.
The Statia Government noted that the pond project complements other recent measures to improve agricultural water access, including the completion of a well-drilling effort that delivered four new wells and the refurbishment of one existing well to support water availability for farming and community needs.
In addition to agricultural benefits, the retention ponds are expected to deliver environmental gains by reducing soil erosion caused by rainwater runoff. Improved retention helps slow and capture stormwater, limiting the loss of topsoil and reducing downstream impacts that can affect infrastructure and the natural environment.
The initiative falls under the Statia Government’s Sustainable Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture (SAPSA) 2025–2030, which identifies improved water security as a key requirement for expanding local output and strengthening food security.
https://tribune-site.webflow.io//articles/statia-government-expands-water-storage-for-agriculture-with-new-rainwater-retention-ponds
