Water supply was interrupted at the Baugher’s Bay Desalination Plant due to a lightning strike that occurred early yesterday.

The high voltage electricity cable that supplies the plant with its power was knocked out during the storm causing water production to be interrupted, a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) stated.

Ministry officials told the Department of Information and Public Relations that the BVI Electricity Corporation has been working feverishly to restore power to the plant. “Extensive work is being carried to replace the high voltage cable,” Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Arlene Smith-Thompson disclosed.

According to Mrs. Thompson to replace a high voltage cable involves a lot of work. However, she confirmed that work should be completed later this afternoon and services should be restored shortly after. Once power is restored to the plant, the plant will have to be brought back online through a series of checks and balances and the Sabbath Hill Reservoir will have to be re-filled. The ministry is estimating that water will be restored to the community tonight or early tomorrow morning.

The ministry apologizes for any inconvenience caused as a result of the water interruption and continues to ask the public for their patience.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Territory’s public infrastructure.