High cost of electricity a “great” concern for Premier Smith
“The high cost of electricity bills as they relate to fluctuations in the cost of fossil fuels remains a great concern to all of us. During the height of the financial crisis the fuel surcharge fell as low as four point three (4.3) cents per unit. Now that the markets have regained much of their value and the price of oil has correspondingly climbed back to a level of about one hundred dollars ($100) per barrel, we are once again experiencing high electricity bills as the fuel variation surcharge has escalated from four point three (4.3) cents per unit in March 2009, to a high of about nineteen (19) cents per unit in 2011,” Dr. Smith stated during his budget address in the House of Assembly on January 17, 2012.
The Premier noted that the Ministry of Communications and Works is working with the BVI Electricity Corporation to introduce improvements that will lead to lower costs in the short and long terms and that at the forefront of Government’s long term goal is fostering the development of alternative and renewable energy.
Infrastructural development
Meanwhile, Premier Smith also lamented the inadequacy of the water and sewerage systems in the Virgin Islands, which he noted have not kept pace with the territory’s overall development.
“We will be reviewing and evaluating all water and sewerage contracts this year, in the best interest of the Territory including the contract between Government and BiWater.”
Hon. Smith said there were also some critical improvements to the water and sewerage system that are urgent including a process to improve water supply systems through needed upgrades to our main water plant; Implementing a more efficient leak detection and billing system in order to reduce the unnecessary wastage and loss of revenue that has been taking place over the years; Continuing the work already undertaken in East End and extending it to Road Town to replace the existing pipe network in identified areas as well as upgrading the pumps which will provide much needed relief to all.
“Madam Speaker, our road infrastructure is crumbling helped on by unusual storm activity in recent years. Such damages are particularly evident in certain areas of Tortola and Jost Van Dyke.”
In pursuing mitigation measures to prevent extensive erosion of the roadways, Premier Smith said Government is focusing on the development of proper drainage solutions and road engineering. “This is also in keeping with our goal to improve major roads on all of our islands.”
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