Works Minister bemoans ‘old and dilapidated’ water system
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has lamented the state of the territory’s water infrastructure, saying aged pipes and leaking reservoirs continue to frustrate residents and hinder efforts to deliver a reliable supply.
Rymer said the government is taking steps to address the long-standing issues, but limited resources and cumbersome procurement rules are slowing progress.
“Water has been a challenge since I have been a minister, and obviously it has been a challenge before,” Rymer stated. “It is easy to identify the challenges, but in the absence of resources, it makes it quite difficult to be able to get certain things achieved.”
He explained that the water distribution system is “dilapidated” and in urgent need of upgrades. “We need to replace the infrastructure. We need to replace the pipes. We need to replace the pressure-releasing valves, the sustaining valves. We need to get new water meters,” Rymer said.
Reservoirs are also a major concern. “We have about five reservoirs right now that are leaking, leaking. I’m talking about just the water is just gushing out of these reservoirs,” he said.
Rymer said tenders have been submitted to begin repairs. “We are now going through that process where we can now, whatever company wins it… get on with repairing the reservoirs and that would be a necessary fix,” he stated.
The minister also noted that significant water losses occur due to undetected leaks in underground pipes. “Sometimes where the water is shown is not even where the leak is at,” he explained. “What you can’t see, you can imagine the leakage based on the old and dilapidated water infrastructure.”
To improve monitoring, Rymer said bulk meters have been installed at key sites such as Hannah Hill and Zion Hill, with more to come. “We are hoping that all these reservoirs, we’ll be able to do proper checks and balances,” he stated.
Residents have complained for years about frequent water shortages, especially in the eastern end of Tortola and in Virgin Gorda. The government spends more than $20 million annually to produce water, but poor infrastructure leads to significant losses, with collection revenue falling far short.
Rymer said the government is committed to fixing the problems but faces delays under the current procurement rules. “It’s not for lack of us not trying,” he asserted. “I think once we are able to get beyond the procurement… we would be able to get things done in a quicker time.”
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We have the water we just can’t get it to you . We need to get the Italians in thy got it done 2000 years ago.
These f@wk!n stupid so called leaders we always elected back into office over and over again. WTF
instead of complaining come up with a plan to modernize it
The solution is to get rid of it from under the ministry direct control which probably is best because those don’t have a clues at the ministry are just wasting space.
So should you!
Looks like then only thing to do is cancel the airport and spend the money on our water infrastructure so we can join the modern world.
We are so far from ready for Independence why is that all these politicians can work on.
It should be known that a home cannot be rented and rent cannot be collected on a property that has no water for any 5 days in a month.
That would help with the pressure.
The BVI water system is old, leaking and dilapidated because the water truck delivery business KEEPS it that way.
If the Water Dept cared about their system they would see who hasn’t paid a water bill in years & years & years, and find out why!
Basically there’s a lot of properties with broken meters that gaily get water for free. And not to mention some properties stealing water by putting in their own pipes before the meter.
Wake up & do something!
If politicians stop getting involved in collections, this wouldn’t be a problem. Sister, brother, auntie, in-laws, themselves
WELL THE GOVERNOR AND THE UK WON’T BE GETTING THE BLAME ON THIS ONE / SO LETS SEE WHAT THE THE WIGGED ONE IS HOLLER OUT NOW
THAT HE CANNOT CREATE ANOTHER DRAMA STORY TO SCAPEGOAT THE WHITE SLAVE MASTERS WITH HIS USUAL RACIST NARRATIVES •
Well sah, that embecile is having mental infactuation and ma****bation on the Wigged one again. What a horrible sick individual that must be to be around!!
Urgent appeal. Can some one or one of our business establishment please buy 10 lengths of PVC 4 inch pipes and donate it to the government to replaced the rottened pipes in sea cows bay before they attempt to pave the road please. Please!!!!!!