Biwater not discussed at recent UK meeting
Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, speaking earlier this week to the media about his agenda in the United Kingdom, said the project was not put up for discussion.
In fact he said, although the UK Government expressed concern with the Territory’s handling of its finances for both recurrent expenditures and capital projects, discussions did not go into details about any projects as he was more concerned about lobbying for more time to assess the Territory’s “financial condition”.
“We did not go into those details but what we were concerned about was to get an understanding with Mr. (Henry) Bellingham that we were not prepared at that time to go along that route but that we wanted more time to review the situation and present alternative proposals. This was the main topic for discussion which they agreed with,” Premier Smith said.
On, February 18, 2010, BiWater, signed a Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) contract with the Virgin Islands Party Government for a sea-water desalination plant.
The plant will produce 2.3 million imperial gallons of potable water per day, has a construction value of US$43 million and a subsequent 16 year operation and maintenance period. In addition, the contract includes the design and build of two sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, extensive pipelines and reservoirs.
The contract also includes the provision and installation of a water distribution leakage reduction programme complete with a tariff billing system.
The cost of water in Tortola is also expected to be substantially reduced when the company comes into full operation. Full sewerage treatment for the island will also be provided.
The contract, however, came under fierce attack from the then opposition now ruling party NDP, who said it presented a contingent liability to the country and even questioned whether there was an exit clause.
8 Responses to “Biwater not discussed at recent UK meeting”