Even though the materials to correct the cable fault arrived late last year, the Corporation attempted to repair the cable multiple times; unfavorable sea conditions prevented them from doing so, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) stated at the Eighth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, February 20, 2023. Photo: YouTube

Works Minister Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) said the repairs on the cable required a stable platform at sea, which was not possible during the swells on the north shore of Tortola at this time of the year. Photo: Provided

The cable was damaged in September 2023 and restored earlier this month. During that time a generator was supplying electricity to that island; however, it constantly encountered problems much to the inconvenience of residents. Additionally, the generator was costing the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) thousands of dollars in diesel.

Despite efforts to repair the damaged cable sooner, since replacement cables arrived late last year, the work had to be called off due to rough sea conditions.

BVIEC attempted to repair ‘cable multiple times’- Hon Rymer

“Even though the materials to correct the cable fault arrived late last year, the Corporation attempted to repair the cable multiple times; unfavorable sea conditions prevented them from doing so,” Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) stated at the Eighth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, February 20, 2023.

He said the repairs on the cable required a stable platform at sea, which was not possible during the swells on the north shore of Tortola at this time of the year.

“I am confident that, despite the residents' desire to see the fault repaired sooner no one would wish to see serious bodily harm or a fatality because of the Corporation conducting these repairs in adverse safety conditions.

“Despite the materials to correct the cable fault arriving late last year and the Corporation's multiple attempts, the nature as I mentioned Madam Speaker the cable repairs because of the unstable conditions.”

Hon Rymer acknowledged that the residents of Jost van Dyke faced significant inconvenience and the Corporation incurred high operational costs due to the use of that generator.

“These factors were the main drivers, Madam Speaker behind again the Corporation's vigorous efforts to repair this subsea cable,” Hon Rymer stated.