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Critical Pump Stations never constructed—Hon Vanterpool

-throws BVIEC ‘under the bus,’ says works still pending
Minister for Communication and Works, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), made the disclosure, in the HoA on Thursday July 19, 2018. He was at the time responding to Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser RA. Photo: VINO/File
Asked to provide an update on the works still required for the Long Trench and Diamond Estate Pump Station, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool—at this point—essentially threw the BVI Electricity Corporation, under the proverbial ‘bus.’ Photo: VINO/File
Asked to provide an update on the works still required for the Long Trench and Diamond Estate Pump Station, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool—at this point—essentially threw the BVI Electricity Corporation, under the proverbial ‘bus.’ Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Even as the Territory braces for the peak of yet another hurricane season, residents are now learning that critical Pump Stations have not been completed and as such several pumps—required to provide a stable water supply—are now gathering dust instead, at the Water and Sewerage Department.

Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), gave the damning disclosure, when the House of Assembly (HoA) met on Thursday July 19, 2018, last and he was asked to provide an update on the Territory’s water supply systems.

Not Feasible 

He was at the time responding to Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser RA, who in a question—tabled in the HoA and—directed to Hon Vanterpool, asked, “could the Minister for Communications and Works please tell this Honourable House, the whereabouts of the pumps he reported would be installed in the vicinity of Foncy’s, and the Racetrack over a year ago.”
Hon Vanterpool told the members, “…the installation of a pump station was dependent on the completion of the installation of the pump stations in Long Trench and Diamond Estate.”
He said, “as this part of the project is not completed, then it would not have been feasible to install the pump station in this.”

Blames BVIEC

Asked to provide an update on the works still required for the Long Trench and Diamond Estate Pump Station, Hon Vanterpool—at this point—essentially threw the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), under the proverbial ‘bus.’
He told members of the HoA, “the upgrade to the electrical supply at Diamond is not completed, but it is pending action by the BVI Electricity Corporation.”
This, after telling members of the HoA at its November 13, 2017, sitting that his Ministry was committed to ensuring a 24 hour supply of water, to all customers of the territory, and had said too the upgrades to the electrical supply at Diamond, “was in progress at the time.”
As it relates to the installation of a Pump Station at Long Trench—which he also said was in progress at the time, in November last—Hon Vanterpool has now disclosed, while the pumps have been procured, a revised contract for the construction of the pump house is about to be awarded.
He conceded “…no, the pump house was not constructed…A contractor is to be named shortly.”

7 Responses to “Critical Pump Stations never constructed—Hon Vanterpool ”

  • cay (08/08/2018, 13:27) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mark we will miss you but happy retirement
  • Diaspora (08/08/2018, 19:07) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Gross incompetence, negligence and mismanagement. Deliberate inaction to score cheap political points at the expense of the public good. Personal interest trump the public interest. The extent of tribal politics is sickening,impacting the national interest. Can the MCW be censured for this deliberate harm to the public good and national interest. The Premier also should be held accountable and responsible for this poor performance that has and is having an impact on residents quality of life.
  • guy hill (09/08/2018, 07:31) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is no excuse for being irresponsible. This is wholly irresponsible however one flips this.
  • Blatant Theif w/ no shame (09/08/2018, 08:39) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Enough is enough! The people are not stupid. I can’t believe members of the community still shake their s mans hand. Millions “disappeared “ so many projects incomplete as he builds warehouse after warehouse remodels homes buying yachts and vacations homes and investing back to where is originally from. Where did all these funds come from? This man should be in jail. We stay quiet and let these politicians rape our country! It’s sickening
  • Louis Vuitton wearing Gangster (09/08/2018, 13:11) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Action Man doesn’t have a clue as his senior advisors are inept as well. The lies and spin from Action is at a new level! Does he actually have a conscience? Doubt it. It’s all about money and how one can get their hands on government funds. He needs to be seriously investigated and should’ve been removed years ago. But familial ties are what has helped keep this farce from facing the JUDGE!! How long now, not long.
  • Tell the truth! (09/08/2018, 15:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Which of the two ministers was the better Minister of Communication & Works?
    • @yell the truth (09/08/2018, 17:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Fraser hand down! Mark should’ve never had that portfolio- he surrounded himself with ‘yes’ men & women and the PS is a complete wanker/joke! Fraser like him or not could understand the technical issues and the basics of PM. Vanterpool hasn’t a clue and doesn’t really care as long as MEGA projects come his way to do what they’ve done best -


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