Rymer working hard to fix water challenges — Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the government is actively addressing longstanding water distribution challenges across the territory.
Dr Wheatley expressed confidence in the efforts led by Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer to enhance the water supply system.
Premier Wheatley acknowledged the existing issues within the water distribution network, noting that Minister Rymer is “working assiduously to solve those challenges.”
He highlighted the installation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes in various areas as a significant step towards improvement. However, he also mentioned that water interruptions may occur during maintenance activities or when managing reservoir levels. Despite these challenges, the Premier remains optimistic.
“I’m confident that the minister, with the resources that he has been given, will be able to make a serious improvement to the water distribution network.”
The BVI has faced persistent water supply issues, with residents and businesses experiencing frequent disruptions. In July 2023, Third District Representative and now-Deputy Premier Julian Fraser emphasised the urgency of the situation, suggesting that the water issue is more critical than road conditions.
He remarked, “I believe more people would prefer to drop in a pothole and take a bath when they get home than to drop in a pothole and not be able to take a bath when they get home.”
The government initiated several measures to address the water crisis in response to these concerns. In February 2024, the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) invited qualified consulting firms to undertake leak detection and remediation works on Tortola’s water network. The primary objective was to develop local contractors and Water and Sewerage Department staff to manage leak detection and remediation within the BVI effectively.
Additionally, in July 2023, Minister Rymer announced plans to hire a private company to overhaul the territory’s entire water distribution network. That decision stems from challenges such as ageing infrastructure and a shortage of personnel to manage emergencies like pipeline leaks. Minister Rymer noted that while partnerships with operators like Seven Seas have addressed some issues, the underlying problem of deteriorating infrastructure remains.
Despite these efforts, some community members have expressed frustration over the ongoing water shortages. Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn urged the government to take full responsibility for the water crisis, stating,
“We have a major problem that is affecting the quality of life for our people, get it fixed. It’s high time!”
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I wish he was
In his district alone
Not even…If is his district is just within his house and maybe a few km cause I live in his district and suffer from having no water quite alot…. haven’t seen water for the week….
I’m sorry to disappoint you…. not even in his district. 6 days now no water. Ni explanation, nothing.
AFTER WASTING 4 YEARS IN OFFICE NOW HE WORKING HARD? WHAT A WASTE. WHY ISN’T HE FIRED YET? YOU FIRED A WOMAN WHO WAS MAKING PROGRESS IN MANY AREAS JUST BECAUSE YOU STIL WANT POWER… NOW A DAYS POLITICIANS ARE MORE ABOUT POWER AND MONEYIN THE POCKET THAN ABOUT THE COUNTRY THE RUN….
She was not fired but she sure did leave their incompetent a**es with their jaws dropped to the ground. Also heard that had it not been for her assistance throughout his jobs in government he would not have been where he was when he was in government. People like him you have to keep your eyes wide open on.
The Premier is heaping a lot of praise on Rhymer lately , looks like he is making sure that Rhymer is not salty about the new deputy pick . Rhymer is solid Mr Premier just be sure you are loyal to the rest of your team as they are to you.
D3 man is bigger than D5 man
Hope it’s not his cousin who frig up the system that he would be hiring
Duffs Bottom is always getting blows 3 days now without water what is really the problem this is sickening now
Every day and night in the 6th district NO water, sometimes for days it’s the same thing I’m talking about in Purcell especially I don’t know if it’s a sabotage or what but I can say it’s like we living in a third world country, kye them had ample time to fix stuff all them give is pure lip service but something is soon near around the corner and we will be waiting to embarrass you all when you come to our district with Ayo nonsense as usual
This water problem seems island wide. Spooners have not have water for months. Good thing thing we have been having rain.
A LOT OF PEOPLE OBSERVED THAT TOO / OUR MASTER IS POLISHING HIS ACTING SKILLZ , KIE , IS EITHER A PUPPET OR MAKING IT LOOK REAL , BECAUSE ALL HE DOING IS FINDING EXCUSES AFTER EXCUSES SO NOW NAT-ALL- EO IS USUNG A LIL PSYCHOLOGY ON HIM TO SEE
IT WILL GET HIM MOTIVATED TO START DOING SOMETHING OR SOME ( little ) THING FOR THE TAXPAYERS MONEY , AS IT AIN’T SEEMS TO HAVE ANYMORE GRASSHOPPER ON THE OPPOSITION TO FIRE HIM FOR
Kung Fu style hahahahah
Water has been off in Greenland two days now. There was no advance warning or update to let residents know what is happening and when we will be able to flush toilets and take showers again. This situation is rediculously unbearable.
The district has been missing in action for years and his noticeable inaction and inattention makes me wonder if he is truly the best that this district can do. He is a total WASTE of time. No wonder there is no progression in this community.
Upper Hope hill been out of water since August 14th till now. Shameful.
Water has been leaking on the lower elevator road for at least 4 years now and at other places, and these leaks has been reported numerous times.
Fix the leaks.
Ask the person who headed the ministry since he was in charge of the department.
IS THE LATEST CHORUS , AND ITS GOTTEN WORN DOWN AS IT IS BEINV OVERUSED / AND THESE JOKERX REALLY BELIEVES THAT WE ARE YBST STUPID TO REALLY BELIEVE THEIR BAREFACE LIES AFTER WE ARE SEEING WITH OUR OWN EYS THAT THEY ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF US BY USING THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON US / OR FLEXING OFF THEMSELVES ON US AND HOLLERING OUT ITS THOSE WHITE SLAVE MASTERS , / ESPECIALLY BY THE WIGGED ONE ( AKA ) WIGGIE