Gov’t declares water a ‘National Critical Priority’; Initial $8M to be allocated
This is according to Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) during a press conference today, June 19, 2025.
According to Hon Rymer, among the problems contributing to the lack of water is the “alarming water loss” due to leakage.
“We wouldn’t just cover up the symptoms. We are determined to get to the root cause,” Hon Rymer said, adding that making water a national priority will “fast track the procurement of goods and hopefully within the few weeks we will be able to have enough inventory where we will be able to address the zonal works, in terms of addressing the leaks and being able to have them repaired,” Hon Rymer stated.
This declaration, Hon Rymer added, translates into six key action items, one of which includes pritorising funding and resources.
“We are fast-tracking water infrastructure projects with an initial allocation of eight million dollars from the one hundred million loan facility to ensure immediate repairs, upgrades and expansions are properly executed.”
Additionally, Hon Rymer announced that the government is working on a temporary water incentive plan to help ease the burdens faced by households during this challenging time.
“This plan will provide essential resources and support to residents affected by the water supply issues. I’ll return to you to communicate the details of this incentive plan aimed at providing temporary ease and assistance in getting access to water.”
Residents of the Virgin Islands have long been complaining about the lack of potable water, with some communities more affected than others.
More details to follow.
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20 Responses to “Gov’t declares water a ‘National Critical Priority’; Initial $8M to be allocated”
I guess it finally reached the same status the aiport must be on - National Critical Priority.
National Critical Priority - Airport
That means employ consultants. Wait 4 years. Change Govenment. End contracts. Employ Consultants. Find project breaks own laws and protected areas. End Contract. Year 16 Employ consultants. Get reports. Keep them secret. Need more reports, Change Government. Wait 8 years employ more consultants. Get reports. Reports don't say what Government wants them to say. Keep them SECRET.
National Critical Priority - Water
Much the same as above.
$8 Million spent. No improvements but lots of reports and Consultant holidays and new cars
B. Water Shortages...
C. "National
D. Critical Priority.
E. Initial $8,000,000 00 To Be Spent, We Hope, For upgrade Coming.
Hon. Minister, kye Rhymer, like you, sir, just woke up from years of sleeping. What kept you so long to come to the realization that water is a national priority? Last century, more than twenty-five years ago, the VIP government of that time began to upgrade the water shortages supply system in the BVI, yet to be completed.
Water systems leakage is a common problem worldwide. Who wants to hear that? Our greater concern is when we need water for daily uses, it's available without excuses, and delays
I have personally seen some areas in the B.V.I that being leaking days in, day out, week in, weaks out, months in, and months out water leaking. When will this water shortages, and continuing, leaky problem be fix, or at least be curbed? I don't know, Minister, Kye Rhymer do you know when, sir? If you don't, I hope before next general elections. Agree?
The water demand and supply issue is a Q1–urgent and important— issue. The VI has a myriad of issues but lacks the resources to fund them all. Consequently, it has to prioritize what capital projects get funded and when. However, Water must be among the top priority projects funded; other priorities include health, education, economic growth, development and diversification, public safety, and so on. Effective planning is the first order of business in planning a project. As such, a water master plan must be developed and rolled out..A SWOT( strength, weakness, opportunity and threat) , along with a GOST( Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Tactics ) plan can be useful. At the end of the day to meet the potable water demand, the water utility system must be well- funded, planned, designed, constructed, managed and operated, maintained, repaired, recapitalized, etc.