Project Manager McIntosh explaining where the lines will be placed. Photo: VINO

The commercial hub in the vicinity of First Bank is where the project will begin. Photo: VINO

A resident asking a question at the meeting last evening. Photo: VINO

“It is Government’s intention to work very hard towards making that deadline possible,” he told a small group of residents and business owners when pressed for a deadline.

The project, which is managed by CBE Engineering Associates Limited, will be done in phases to minimise the disruption. Against this backdrop, within the next five weeks replacement of sewerage pipes will commence in the First Bank area from Simply Delicious, and move towards Bolo’s Department Store.

Next phase will be from Tortola Department Store to the pumping station at the roundabout, revealed Project Manager of CBE Engineering Associates Ltd, Samuel McIntosh.

He pointed out contractors will need a lot of co-operation from business owners, and assured residents that the project will be confined to small areas at a time to minimise the discomfort. He will act as the liaison with businesses who will be affected by the project to determine a “win win” situation for both sides.

The Project Manager also informed the audience that all options will be looked at - even working after businesses are closed or on Sundays.

Meanwhile, the reason behind the foul odour and overflowing in Road Town is a result of the inaction of the pumps at the pumping station, which means while the pipes are being replaced, new pumps will also be installed, Hon. Vanterpool revealed.

He added, “We are looking at some aesthetics at the pumping station.”

Upon completion of the pipes and pumps, replacing the pipes from the Roundabout will be addressed, Hon. Vanterpool stated. He explained when assessed by cameras, the pipes are on the verge of disrepair, and when completed will reduce the embarrassing odour in the Immigration and Customs areas.

“When you find sewerage like this you have to quickly find solutions for the good heath and all the environmental issues that we should be considering and as a Government, the Premier has given me direct instructions that as Minister I should make haste and continue the process of delivering sewerage solutions to the Territory, especially in East End and Road Town,” the Works Minister disclosed.

He further stated, “It is the highest priority in the Ministry and though residents may not see a lot a physical work, there have been a work off background work.”

The long term solutions to the sewerage woes in the capital will be replacing the present pumping station and treatment of sewerage on the western side of Road Town, Hon. Vanterpool added.

Meanwhile, for the work to flow smoothly between seven and eight petty contracts - in the $70,000 range for each one – have been authorised by the Ministry.

Carvin Malone CBE Associates and Bernard Grant, acting Deputy Director of Water and Sewerage also addressed the audience.

On August 12, 2010, CBE Engineering Associates signed a $1,976,307.50 contract with the then Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government for the management, engineering and construction supervision services for the national sewerage project that comprised East End and Road Town.

Furthermore, the engineering design, programme and construction management for the removal and replacement of approximately 2,000 feet of abandoned or compromised gravity sewers in the Road Town service area were also concluded.