Gov’t clamps down on illegal water connections
The government has announced it will be taking firm action against water customers with unauthorised connections, as part of wider plans to tackle irregularities in water consumption and billing across the territory.
The announcement comes as the Virgin Islands continues to face widespread water challenges that officials have admitted have reached crisis proportions, with residents across Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and other islands enduring frequent outages, low pressure, and costly reliance on water delivery.
In a statement, the Ministry of Communications and Works said it is aware of many residents with unauthorised connections and has invited them to visit the Water and Sewerage Department to regularise their accounts.
The ministry described such practices as “unlawful, unsustainable, and [placing] an unfair burden on law-abiding citizens.”
A 30-day grace period is being offered for customers to correct their accounts without penalty. After that, the government warned it will take legal action and enforce compliance “without further notice.”
The warning follows months of public frustration over the water crisis in the community. Earlier this summer, mechanical failures at the Seven Seas desalination plant, leaks in ageing pipelines, and insufficient production left many households and businesses without water for weeks.
In July, frustrated residents in Road Town and East End/Long Look staged protests demanding urgent government action. As the crisis drags on, officials are appealing to residents to do their part.
“The government urges all citizens to act responsibly, protect this precious resource, and ensure that water is managed sustainably for the benefit of all,” the ministry said.
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For a second I was thinking this applied more to the HOA than the water thieves ….
The ministry described such practices as “unlawful, unsustainable, and [placing] an unfair burden on law-abiding citizens.”
Then again – friends and family will not be disciplined. Only those that fit a certain ‘criterion’ will be reprimanded and cut off. So, there will be no real change at all. Standard operating procedure for our ‘leadership’!
SO now they are blaming the people for the water crisis. The people have water at random times for years I cant blame them from what they do to get water.
I don’t support persons stealing water from The Government however if water is always off especially when needed and the attitude thereafter. People must become innovative in electricity and water siphoning in The VI…
Why not set up a task force whose responsibility it is to hunt and seek out leaky lines above and below surface?
That same entity can also bein the duty of seekin out dishonest connections.
Contract Signed For Consultancy Services For Leak Detection (in July 2024). The people obviously not doing their job, cause I constantly calling W&SD about burst pipes/leaks that I spot.
While you’re at it, set up a task force for the illegal shareholders milking the country for years also. OC, BI W & 7C
IN THE AREAS WHERE THE MOST SPANIARDS LIVING AND YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT HOW CREATIVE THEY ARE , THEY RENT A ROOM AND NEXT IT WILL BE TURNED INTO 3 OR 4 APPARTMENTS AND A LIL BROTEL
Most are in the Hon. GQ’s district (5), or the Hon. Hog City’s district (3). Either way, the land liords are mostly friends and family and allow this to happen.
Is the same water and sewerage employees hooking these illegal connections for years!
tha one they call Ra**a
Y’all always starting to call people name or start some S..t with people. The ra’..ta you talking about ain’t got S..t to do with that.
So damn correct, I HAVE RECIPTS TO PROVE THAT. GO AFTER THE WORKERS THAT IS DOING THIS FOR EXTRA MONEY BESIDES THEIR PAY CHECKS.
Govt is what is illegal, they all need to resign. , People cannot get water the legal way, its always off. They want the people to die..The veey basics thwy are failing in..
When you was in charge U did seem yo mind when you getting yore lunch basket after dark in your office
So you going after the people with illegal hookups? You got to start with certain employees that is doing this and it has been going on for the longest. Water is scarce so what do you expect people to do if they are offered a hook up deal for a few dollars to have access to running water. Check your people on the inside, why you want the public to take the lick.