BVIEC distributing one-third of regular power

Premier Dr D Orlando Smith has announced that the BVI Electricity Corporation is now distributing one-third of the power it did before Hurricane Irma.

That amount is 11 megawatts, which he said is being distributed to three of the four main islands in the territory.

“We now have 15 to 20 percent of customers on Tortola with power; 50 percent on Virgin Gorda; and 80 percent on Anegada.”

“There is no electricity yet to Jost Van Dyke but the team is working diligently to allow the West End feeder to send power to Jost Van Dyke,” Premier Smith said.

Dr Smith however stated that Jost Van Dyke has a better supply of water.

“On Jost Van Dyke, the reservoir was destroyed but water is being pumped to a temporary reservoir and further work is being done to provide a similar solution for distribution in elevated areas.”

The Premier said a number of areas on Tortola are still being serviced by trucked water and intermittent pipe water.

“A large section of East End and Road Town will soon have running water. West End will have water as soon as the station at Capoons Bay has power and we hope to achieve this in the next two weeks,” said Dr Smith during a press conference this afternoon.

He continued: “On Virgin Gorda, the Handsome Bay plant is working and producing water which is being distributed to most areas of The Valley including all the way to The Baths. We are working to restore the North Sound plant which was destroyed.”

Dr Smith said reservoirs on Anegada are filled nightly.