New Water & Sewerage Department boss pledges stronger services

Newly appointed Water and Sewerage Department Director Lyndon Hodge has pledged to strengthen the department and improve its operations as the government prepares to place water and electricity services under a single statutory corporation.

Hodge, whose appointment took effect on September 1, will oversee the department’s daily operations, public health interventions and delivery of services across the territory.

“I am deeply honoured to accept the appointment as Director of the Water and Sewerage Department and sincerely grateful for the confidence entrusted to me to lead this vital public service,” Hodge stated.

He said his priorities would include stronger leadership, accountability, innovation and investment in employees and infrastructure.

“As Director, my focus will be on strengthening the Department through strategic leadership, operational excellence, accountability, innovation, and investment in our people and infrastructure,” Hodge stated.

“We must be prepared not only to address the challenges of today, but also to anticipate the demands of tomorrow and build a water and sewerage system capable of serving generations to come,” he added.

The government said Hodge brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience in project management and technical operations. It also credited him with leading organisational change in challenging environments.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Elvia Smith-Maduro welcomed the appointment and expressed confidence in Hodge’s ability to improve the department.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr Hodge, who brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Department of Water and Sewerage. I am confident in his ability to deliver in the areas of operational efficiency, service delivery, and long-term infrastructure planning, and I look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to the department and the wider community,” Smith-Maduro stated.

Hodge will also play a role in the department’s transition to the newly established Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation, known as VIEWCo.

The appointment comes as the territory continues efforts to reform water services. In 2023, the government announced plans to establish the department as a statutory body, with proposals to reduce water losses, increase revenue and modernise its billing and inventory systems. The move followed years of public concern about water services.

Hodge holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Roehampton. He previously held leadership positions at Cable and Wireless and Caribbean Cellular Telephone.