UN specialists criticize water issues in Guadeloupe

UN independent experts are calling out chronic water cuts in Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean island, and expressing concerns about tap water pollution, high prices, and attempts to silence critics. They criticized private operators, local authorities, and the French government for neglecting the island’s water system, leading to various malfunctions. Activists, scientists, and others speaking out about the situation are facing censorship, with officials even banning a water debate organized by the University of the West Indies. The experts highlighted that residents’ human rights to clean water and sanitation are at risk, especially for the most disadvantaged, as Guadeloupe has the highest water prices in France.

The experts noted that more than 60% of drinking water in Guadeloupe is lost before reaching taps due to leaks, suggesting that contaminants are entering the system. They called on France to take responsibility for ensuring contamination does not spread further and to implement compensation measures for the affected population. The island faces particular concerns about contamination, with a banned pesticide called chlordecone used from 1973 to 1993 still polluting its soil and water, leading to health issues like cancer. Despite the French government dismissing pollution concerns, the experts stressed the need for action to address the water crisis in Guadeloupe.

The experts emphasized the difficulty in discussing water issues freely in Guadeloupe, with several individuals facing danger for denouncing the dysfunctions of the water system. They pointed out problems with the outdated network, leaking pipes, defective treatment plants, and faulty billing software, attributable to years of neglect by authorities. The press office for the government of Guadeloupe did not respond to requests for comment, highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding the water crisis on the island. The experts underscored the urgency of the situation and the impact on residents, particularly those who are already marginalized and face challenges accessing clean water.

The UN experts highlighted the seriousness of the situation in Guadeloupe, where residents are being deprived of their fundamental rights to clean water and sanitation. They criticized the French government for downplaying pollution concerns and urged immediate action to address the water crisis on the island. The ongoing issues with water cuts, pollution, and high prices are putting the most vulnerable populations at risk and threatening their health and well-being. The experts called for accountability from all stakeholders involved in the management of Guadeloupe’s water system and emphasized the need for urgent measures to safeguard residents’ access to safe and affordable drinking water.

In conclusion, the UN independent experts raised alarm about the water crisis in Guadeloupe, denouncing chronic water cuts, pollution, and attempts to silence critics. They highlighted the neglect by private operators, local authorities, and the French government, leading to a dysfunctional water system on the island. The experts called for immediate action to address contamination, leaks, and high prices, emphasizing the impact on residents’ human rights to clean water and sanitation. The situation in Guadeloupe is particularly concerning due to the use of a banned pesticide that continues to pollute the soil and water, posing serious health risks to the population. The experts urged France to take responsibility and implement measures to ensure access to safe drinking water for all residents of Guadeloupe.