Operators Without Borders back in VI assisting with pipe replacement
In a video posted to the ministry’s Facebook page, OWB volunteer Jake Maker said the work involves fusing sections of pipe and making them watertight, before installing them in the ground.
Explaining the fusion process, he said, “That’s when we melt the ends of the pipe and then squeeze them together to make that watertight joint and to make it into one big long pipe. So we have 40-foot sections and we're welding those sections together to create one long pipe.”
Pipes fit for the terrain
The Ministry of Communications and Works has contracted ABC Plumbing on this project.
A representative for the company said the pipes currently being installed are suitable for the terrain here in the Territory, adding that the only issue would be back pressure caused because of the size of the pipe.
“That is the mechanical, that's where the engineering comes in, to cut down on the back pressure. But other than that, the pipe would…[be] stronger than the pipe that is there present and presently, and it should do the job,” he explained.
Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), Minister for Communications and Works, said based on the designs and engineering from his team, pressure management has been added with air release valves, among other things, to modernise the system to ensure the back pressure is severely reduced and reduced right.
“So initially we had about what, six inches of pipe…and now this is a 12-inch pipe,” Hon Rymer said.
This means the pipe’s capacity is increased and would last longer before needing to be replaced.
OWB assistance
In June 2025, OWB visited the Territory as part of a partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Works to assist with the water issues.
“We are committed to helping the water utility, under the guidance of the BVI Minister of Communications and Works, develop a more resilient water infrastructure to ensure citizens have a consistent and secure water supply,” OWB said in an online post requesting volunteers for this particular phase of the project, just about a month ago.
During their initial visit, which lasted three days, the team visited all locations and reservoirs on Tortola and met with operators.
Fixing leaking pipes was among the short-term recommendations made by the organisation following their initial visit.
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4 Responses to “Operators Without Borders back in VI assisting with pipe replacement”
We are now using volunteers for Public Works and Water Department.
HOA13 really suck the countries funds dry.
I am off to start a Go Fund Me for the Department of Motor Vehicles so their corrupt workers can keep all illegal Heavily Tinted cars on the road.
Country going to run by Go Fund Me instead of Gov Fund Me.