The Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation has broken ground Phase I of its new wastewater treatment facility for the community located 40 kilometres from the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL.
Phase I of the two-phase project involves the installation and upgrading of collection lines to the wastewater collection system. Phase II will begin in 2010, with the construction of the wastewater treatment plant. The government’s contribution of $7.7 million to the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation Wastewater Treatment Plant was drawn from the $165 million investment for 18 water and wastewater projects for First Nation communities identified in the federal Economic Action Plan.
“We are very pleased to see this important project become a reality,” said Chief Anastasia Qupee. “This initiative will help ensure the health of our members and the well-being of our community.”
There has been solid progress in improving water conditions on reserves across the country. In 2006, there were 193 high risk systems. Today, this number has been significantly reduced to 48 systems. In addition, 21 communities were identified as priorities, which meant that the community had both a high-risk drinking water system and a drinking water advisory. Today, only four communities remain on that list.
