Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has once again brought the Virgin Islands (VI) water issues to light, this time on the From the Desk of the Opposition Leader video series on October 26, 2026. Photo: Facebook

Opposition Leader Marlon A. Penn (R8) said a 2024 Auditor General’s report documented approximately $117.2 million in payments to Biwater over 9 years. Photo: Seven Seas Water Group

Government has made significant investments to modernise the Territory's water infrastructure, including the reconstruction of four reservoirs. Photo: Team of Reporters

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer, has always said that the VI’s main problem is not water production but the condition of its ageing infrastructure. Photo: Department. of Information & Public Relations

On the second episode of the new weekly video series ‘From the Desk of the Opposition Leader’ on October 26, 2026, Hon Penn said, “We cannot fix what we cannot confront. Our storage capacity is inadequate; our distribution network suffers from ageing pipelines, leaks, and low pressure.”

He added that despite substantial public spending on water production, too many residents still cannot depend on a consistent supply. It must be noted that water issues in the VI predate the current administration, and previous governments have struggled with the water issues. 

$117.2M to Biwater in 9 years

Hon Penn said a 2024 Auditor General’s report documented approximately $117.2 million in payments to Biwater over 9 years. 

“That level of expenditure demands scrutiny. The public deserves answers about value for money, contractual obligations, and the reliability of the service being delivered.”

He said problems cannot be continuously patched without the system being fixed. 

According to Hon Penn, he, along with other Opposition members, is advancing “five practical priorities”. These are: Expand water storage on Tortola; Strengthen water security on the Sister Islands; Modernise water production; Replace failing pipelines; and Review the Biwater Seven Seas agreement. 

“People deserve reliable water, and they deserve to know their money is being spent wisely.”

Hon Penn said the people of the VI deserve better. Water, he said, must be a national priority, not just another political promise repeated every time the taps run dry. 

Gov’t investment in water 

The government has invested a substantial amount to address water issues throughout the VI, including the reconstruction of four reservoirs.

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer, has always said that the VI’s main problem is not water production but the condition of its ageing infrastructure.

Approximately $8 million has been allocated for water infrastructure from a $100 million loan acquired in late 2024. The funds are being used to purchase pipes and water meters, rehabilitate reservoirs, and undertake other improvements throughout the water-distribution system. 

Cabinet also recently approved a supplementary appropriation request containing an additional $5 million for water infrastructure. 

Hon Rymer has also explained that road projects are also being used as an opportunity to install and upgrade water pipes, allowing the government to address infrastructure needs while roads are being constructed or improved.