BVI has a water crisis, Premier admits
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has acknowledged that the British Virgin Islands is grappling with a severe water crisis, citing ageing infrastructure and financial constraints as major obstacles.
Speaking on a local radio show, the Premier admitted that the situation requires urgent action. “I agree that the water situation is an emergency and demands immediate attention,” he stated. “That’s why we secured funding to begin improving the water system as part of the loan we obtained.”
Wheatley pointed to frequent pipeline failures as a key issue. “The water infrastructure in the Virgin Islands has been deteriorating for years. We have enough water production to provide 24-hour supply across the territory, but the problem lies in our distribution network,” he explained.
Aging and leaky infrastructure
The Ministry of Communications and Works is working to address the crisis, but Wheatley noted that both the pipelines and reservoirs need urgent repairs. “Our distribution network is old and leaky… even our reservoirs need improvements. We are actively working to repair and upgrade them.”
Minister of Communications and Works Kye Rymer previously disclosed that a complete overhaul of the water system—including replacing pipes, upgrading equipment, and installing meters to increase revenue—would require an estimated $20 million.
Despite financial challenges, Wheatley assured the public that his administration is committed to long-term solutions. “We are taking steps to build new reservoirs at high elevations, such as in Sage Mountain, to improve water distribution by allowing gravity-fed supply rather than relying on pumps,” he said.
Ongoing maintenance efforts
Residents and businesses continue to suffer from frequent water shortages, with some areas experiencing prolonged outages. The Premier highlighted ongoing maintenance efforts, including leak detection and the installation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. “These pipes are highly durable, resistant to leaks, and support better pressure management to prevent burst pipes,” he explained.
While acknowledging the frustration caused by the crisis, Wheatley asked for patience. “This problem didn’t develop overnight. It’s the result of years of underinvestment in our distribution network. Fixing it is costly and time-consuming, but we are taking the necessary steps. We apologise for the delays, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we work towards a long-term solution.”
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So tired of hearing how committed you are to fix things. Who has been in power all this time and allowed it to get to this terrible state. You Natalio, and we still waiting for you to get committed to fixing things and stop spending money on concerts and your friends and cronies.
Those 487 people who voted to have you as our leader feel ashamed.
AND 487 people does not give you a mandate to drive us to independence that would only be good for you and your buddies.
Add it to the list.
BVI has action crisis, I admit.
Stop traveling and talking as much as you do. Get to work on fixing the problems. You devote more time and attention to the next party or celebration than you do to basic infrastructure problems, and crime.
@a capitalist Please stop. Dude was born to party: that is his greatest gift. We all have our skillsets, and this is his. Not everyone is cut out to strategize, plan and execute. We can’t all be good at budgeting. Let the guy play to his strengths.
HEY BRO WE CAN JOIN JUDGE WIGGIE AND POINT OUR FINGERS ST YHE UOK OR THE GOVERNOR OR COLLINS , SOME OF US ARE STILL DUMB ENOUGH TO BELIEVE IT
Independence will solve all these issues…follow the U.N. advice and everything will be fine within 3 months!!
BVI has a water and sewage in 2014 when I first arrived – over 10 years ago – nothing has changed.
Wayyyyy before then
No worries, Premier gone Asia to drink pure spring water
independence them say
Nobody going to mention the MILLIONS spent by previous governments on signing all kind of different contracts with all kinds of different companies promising cheap water all these years? And all the money gone, and no water to be seen.
we stop taking blanket statement so name the contracts
Hardly a new problem is it. Are we incapable of fixing anything properly?
“Aging and leaky infrastructure” Sounds more like the condition of the HOA
$20 million required, this is less than HOA members and senior Govt Officials have spent on travel and entertainment during the last 12 months
they no all of this but won’t do anything of substance to fix the issues, they don’t care
has this been going on
long time
sad
how much ineptitude a set of people gonna show, for decades, before the boss island come show a glimpse of governance with some real trained ppl training we ppl? $400m budgets and no water past town. bush a– m–d—s all of we letting squander set the tone so long.
The bvi has a water crisis ❌
The bvi has a leadership crisis ✅