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Citizens deserve reliable potable water supply - Premier Fahie

- details budget plans to address territory's water woes
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says not only do Virgin Islanders need reliable potable water supply, but they also deserve it given that water is life. VINO/File
He said with that, persons on Jost van Dyke (JvD) are now receiving water on a continuous basis and in the last few months, the Perot Hill Reservoir in North Sound Virgin Gorda was completed. Photo: GIS/File
He said with that, persons on Jost van Dyke (JvD) are now receiving water on a continuous basis and in the last few months, the Perot Hill Reservoir in North Sound Virgin Gorda was completed. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says not only do Virgin Islanders need reliable potable water supply, but they also deserve it given that water is life.

The Premier made the pronouncements while detailing his plans for the sector at the November 19, 2019, 2020 Budget Presentation in the VI House of Assembly (HoA). 

"In early 2020, expressions of interest will be invited for the conduct of a complete assessment of the Territory’s water network inclusive of purchasing of water meters, upgrading the billing system, and addressing the leakages in the network."

He said with that, persons on Jost van Dyke (JvD) are now receiving water on a continuous basis and in the last few months, the Perot Hill Reservoir in North Sound Virgin Gorda was completed.  

"Residents in the higher elevations of Greenland were provided with water supply for the first time in over 10 years through the installation of a pressure valve at the top of Georgie Hill in Greenland. Upgrades to the infrastructure in Slaney, Thomas Landing, Beef Island and Carrot Bay have improved service to residents in these areas, especially at the higher elevations," Hon Fahie said.

Long Trench Pumps coming 

According to the Premier, the installation of pumps in the Long Trench pump house will provide water on a continuous basis to the residents and businesses in Sea Cows Bay.  This he said has a deadline that should come before Christmas while noting that the installation of a containerised water plant in Sea Cows Bay will further enhance the supply.

Premier Fahie noted that the devastation of 2017 presented the Territory with the opportunity to reset and recast a new future based on past lessons learnt. 

"Your Government will action this opportunity with the launch of a National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) in partnership with the United Nations agency, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean," Hon Fahie said.  

He also noted that the plan will provide a roadmap for the transformation of this Territory along with its economic, social, environmental, physical and climate-resilient issues.

7 Responses to “Citizens deserve reliable potable water supply - Premier Fahie”

  • hog city (23/11/2019, 10:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop talking and make it happen
  • cgb (23/11/2019, 11:05) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    One again VIP doing what the NDP couldn't do in all them years.
  • waste (23/11/2019, 11:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big Leak in Duffs bottom that needs fixing.
  • WHAT!!! (23/11/2019, 13:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes we “deserve a reliable water supply “ when you goin to deliver it ?
  • E. Leonard (23/11/2019, 22:14) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Indeed, a reliable, safe and quality potable water supply is needed for residents quality of life and standard of living, commerce, business, institutions, economic growth, development and sustainability......etc. To meet the demand, a state-of-the-art, modern treatment, transmission and distribution systems is needed. It requires trained and certified staff to operate, repair and maintain the system. To avoid contaminating the water system, persons working on the system must be certified/licensed. Further, a water laboratory should be constructed and water tested periodically to ensure that it is meeting minimum established standards. The public should be notified when repeated tests (positive tests)indicate that the quality falls below the minimum standards. Positive tests may require restrictions on water uses, ie, bathing, brushing teeth, drinking, cooking........etc. Further, there must be proper accounting of water production.
  • DOA (24/11/2019, 13:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The United Nations recognizes water as a HumanRight Safe , accessible,continuous and sufficient are some of those rights ...none of which the VI has afforded it's citizens,ever, as modern and highfalutin with big GDP and such. Iam beginning to believe there is a conspiracy afoot to annihilate we the people with water and toxic air. Even cistern water is being polluted by the toxic residue from the incinerator smoke which sticks to the roofs. Taking a bath with the Gov water itches the skin and leaves a rash. Wouldn't, dare to drink it.


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