UN experts criticize water problems in Guadeloupe

UN independent experts have raised concerns about chronic water cuts, tap water pollution, excessive prices, and censorship of critics in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. They accused private operators, local authorities, and the French government of neglecting the island’s water system, leading to outdated infrastructure and other malfunctions. Officials ordered a ban on a local water debate organized by the University of the West Indies, indicating a lack of transparency in addressing the water crisis. The experts highlighted the impact on residents’ human rights to clean water and sanitation, particularly affecting the most disadvantaged due to the highest water prices in the country.

Despite the French government dismissing pollution concerns, the UN experts noted that over 60% of drinking water is lost before reaching taps in Guadeloupe due to leaks, indicating possible contamination entering the system. They called on France to take responsibility for preventing further contamination and compensating affected populations. The use of a banned pesticide called chlordecone from 1973 to 1993 continues to pollute the island’s soil and water, leading to health issues such as cancer. The experts emphasized the urgent need for measures to address contamination and protect public health in Guadeloupe.

Activists, scientists, and others speaking out about the water crisis in Guadeloupe have faced censorship, with authorities silencing critics and banning public discussions on the issue. The experts highlighted the challenge of freely discussing the sensitive topic of water, raising concerns about the safety of those denouncing the dysfunctional water system. The press office for the government of Guadeloupe did not respond to requests for comment on the situation, indicating a lack of transparency and accountability in addressing the water crisis on the island.

The experts emphasized the severity of the situation in Guadeloupe, where residents’ human rights to clean water and sanitation are at risk due to ongoing water cuts, pollution, and high prices. They called for immediate action to address the outdated water infrastructure, leaking pipes, defective treatment plants, and faulty billing software that contribute to the crisis. The French government’s dismissal of pollution concerns and the lack of compensation measures for affected populations further exacerbate the water crisis in Guadeloupe, particularly impacting the most vulnerable communities on the island.

In conclusion, the UN experts have condemned chronic water cuts, pollution, high prices, and censorship in Guadeloupe, calling for urgent action to address the water crisis. They highlighted the neglect of the island’s water system by private operators, local authorities, and the French government, leading to contaminated drinking water and health risks for residents. The ongoing situation threatens the human rights of the population, especially the most disadvantaged, and requires immediate intervention to ensure access to clean water and sanitation in Guadeloupe. The experts urged France to take responsibility for preventing further contamination, compensating affected populations, and improving the water infrastructure to protect public health in the Caribbean island.