Plans started to transition W&SD into statutory body
This was expressed in a notice from the Ministry of Communications and Works for the services of an individual or firm to begin the transition.
“The Government of the Virgin Islands acting through the Ministry of Communications and Works desires to engage the professional services of a qualified individual or firm to facilitate the transition of the Water and Sewerage Department to a Statutory Body,” the ministry said in a September 28, 2023 notice.
The notice added that the Consultant will be responsible for a broad range of duties, including conducting a full assessment of the Department and reviewing existing systems and structures, and will facilitate the transition of key functions from the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Water and Sewerage Authority.
Statutory bodies still fall under the government, however, operate more independently and manage their own affairs.
Consultant will develop 5-year plan
The notice added that the Consultant is expected to undertake the tasks of conducting a full assessment of the Department reviewing existing systems and structures and developing a five (5) year Strategic Plan for the Authority.
The Plan will include a strategy to reduce non-revenue water and increase revenues; devise an Implementation Plan for the statutorising of the Authority; identify and facilitate the implementation of a modern enterprise billing and inventory system and facilitate the transition of support functions from the Government to the Authority, among other important duties.
The VI Government moved forward with plans to transform the Water and Sewerage Department into a statutory body following the passing of the Sewerage Authority Act 2022.
The bill was presented by Minister for Communication and Works, the Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R7) and came after years of the Government seeking solutions on how to remedy the issues and inefficiencies of the local Water and Sewerage Department.
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18 Responses to “Plans started to transition W&SD into statutory body”
Nevertheless, you need to take responsibility for the department abysmal operation. If the department were thriving despite the challenges, won’t you have taken the credit. You are bright so address the rhetoric to suit the circumstances, turning limeade into champagne.
We were promised by the minister that we would not lose any benefits and now after seventeen years in health we are being told we will not get a monthly pension because we cannot be made permanent and pensionable as we now work for a Board. Now neither the Board, HR, Deputy Governor, the Minister of Health, the Premier or the Complaints Commissioner will lift a finger to correct this discriminatory action. The next stop will have to be the Governor. We will have to ask Governor for another COI into this matter. You cannot have people working for 30 years and telling them they are not entitled to a monthly pension.