That approximately 8,400 residents in the Cul de Sac valley are expected to receive new sewer connections at no cost (see related story) is beneficial not only to them, but for others living there or visiting as well. After all, related problems including running sewage have plagued the area for decades.
A July 2025 water quality assessment conducted under the Wastewater Management Project confirmed widespread pollution linked to ageing septic systems. The findings are now reportedly guiding the design of a modern sewerage network and establishing a baseline for long-term environmental monitoring aimed at improving water quality and living conditions.
One very important part is rehabilitating and upgrading the A.T. Illidge Wastewater Treatment Plant to ensure reliable long-term operation and the ability to handle increased flows from both the existing sewer system and new household connections. Planned improvements include enhanced wastewater and sludge treatment, stronger environmental monitoring, and increased energy efficiency, all aimed at delivering more modern and reliable wastewater services across the island.
It sounds good, but there is a ways to go. The much-anticipated Dutch Quarter sewerage project to connect 500 homes is also about to start and 23 contractors are said to have shown interest in the future bid, while 17 attended a recent information session on this topic.
But there are still places where one can literally smell sewage on a regular basis just by driving by. In addition to better facilities, enforcement of rules regarding hygiene and nature is equally important. Believe it or not, to this day some still simply let their full cesspits overflow into the street rather than pay for collection. They do so especially when it’s raining, so less people will notice. Even pump trucks have been known to empty their content into ponds, inlets etcetera.
An update on the planned sewage plant in Cole Bay would be welcome too, because a joint facility with the French side has been on the books for quite a while with little in the way of tangible results. This is also key for Simpson Bay Lagoon and its leading role in the island’s sizeable yachting sector.
Apart from obvious public health and environmental considerations, properly dealing with wastewater remains essential particularly for a tropical paradise destination with a tourism economy. It’s everybody’s business.
