Gov’t slammed for water shortages across multiple districts

The government is facing renewed criticism over persistent water shortages affecting multiple communities across the BVI, with opposition critics saying the issue reflects a failure to prioritise basic services.

Speaking during the budget debate in the House of Assembly, Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn said residents in several districts continue to experience prolonged disruptions to water supply, despite repeated assurances that the problem would be addressed. He described access to reliable water as a basic necessity and said the government was falling short in meeting that responsibility.

Walwyn cited Upper Free Bottom and Sea Cows Bay among affected areas that are without water for extended periods. He said residents had reported going weeks and, in some cases, months without a regular supply, calling the situation unacceptable.

“People can’t get water,” Walwyn said while highlighting that several communities were still relying on trucked water or private purchases to meet daily needs.

Misplaced spending priorities

He linked the shortages to what he described as misplaced spending priorities, arguing that funds allocated elsewhere could have been used to improve water infrastructure. Walwyn said the cost of purchasing bulk water annually continued to run into the tens of millions of dollars, while long-term solutions remained elusive.

According to Walwyn, the government spends significantly more on buying water than it collects in water revenue, a practice he said had continued year after year without meaningful reform. He warned that this approach was draining public finances while residents still faced unreliable service.

Pretend water is a party and fund it

He urged the administration to commit more resources to upgrading infrastructure and expanding capacity rather than relying on temporary fixes.

“The water problem has to be solved,” Walwyn said. “I have an idea for you. Just pretend water is a party. Think about it in that aspect… You know you love party. Just throw the money at the water. Pretend it’s a party.”

Recurring complaints have come from residents over the years about water outages, particularly during dry periods, as well as concerns raised by opposition members over the cost of bulk water purchases and delays in infrastructure upgrades. Government officials have previously pointed to ageing systems and high operational costs as challenges, while maintaining that investments are being made to improve reliability.

Walwyn said those explanations were no longer sufficient, stressing that water shortages were affecting households, small businesses and farmers. He called on the government to treat water security with the same urgency as other major spending initiatives, warning that continued inaction would further erode public confidence.