A critical step towards sustainable water management in the Virgin Islands, commenced this week with the start of the installation of large-flow water meters at eleven (11) reservoirs across the Territory.

The installation of the high-capacity meters began on 27^th May, 2025 and is scheduled for completion on 25^th June, 2025. The meters will allow the Water and Sewerage Department to accurately quantify the volume of water received into and distributed from each reservoir. The project will enhance the management of water production contracts, and data collected will support more accurate forecasting and resource allocation, helping to reduce the risk of water shortages and overuse.

Additionally, this smart metering technology can assist in detecting system leaks, reducing water loss and disruption to water supply promoting long-term conservation.

The meter installation is one activity under the Water Optimization Programme, and is being implemented by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, for the Client Ministry, the Ministry of Communications and Works.

Chief Executive Officer of the RDA Mr. Anthony McMaster stated, “With the installation of these meters, we are laying the foundation in support of our Client Ministry for a more efficient, transparent, and equitable water distribution network. This project supports the Ministry’s long-term vision of resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of our people today and into the future.”

The Reservoir Metering contract was successfully awarded to Control Technologies Barbados Limited on 19^th July 2024 at a value of $281,412.82 following a competitive procurement process. Control Technologies Barbados Limited is currently in the Territory to facilitate the installation of the water meters having successfully completed the procurement process for the manufacture and installation of 25 meters and associated accessories in line with the project requirements.

Virgin Islands residents are asked to follow the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Water and Sewerage Department’s WhatsApp channels, along with the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency’s social media pages for information regarding water interruption during the installation period.

The Water Optimisation Programme falls under the Water and Sewerage sub-sector of the Resilient Infrastructure sector in the Government’s Recovery to Development Plan. The Plan is guided by the outcome statement: “A more effective water and sewerage infrastructure with an efficient supply and distribution system, equitable access to a reliable water supply, and an improved sewerage network.”

The project is also linked to Goal 4 of the National Sustainable Development Plan on Infrastructure.   It is tied to Outcome No. 9 - Sustainable Energy and aims to ensure that the Territory has a reliable water distribution and treatment system.

The other two projects of the Water Optimisation Programme include the Leak Detection Project, and the Leak Remediation Project. The Leak Detection project was completed in January 2025 and trained 20 plumbing professionals in both the public and private sector with valuable leak detection skills.  It targeted the identification of visible and non-visible leaks in the Lower Estate, Huntum’s Ghut, Purcell Estate and Baugher’s Bay Areas.

The Leak Remediation Project is designed to further improve water conservation and infrastructure resilience. The implementation of the leak remediation project will mark the completion of the Water Optimisation Programme, pending the approval of project funding.

The Virgin Islands Recovery Development Agency remains committed to delivering projects that support national development and quality public services in the Virgin Islands. The Water Optimisation Project marks another important milestone toward this goal.

• RDA Project Manager Nioka Anderson Murray is joined by representatives from the Water and Sewerage Department and Control Technologies Barbados Limited for the installation of the first large-flow, high-capacity water meters at one of 11 Water Reservoirs in the Territory.  The meters will accurately quantify the volume of water received into and distributed from each reservoir which will assist in detecting system leaks, reducing water loss and disruption to the water supply.

For more information contact:

Colene A. Penn

Head of Communication

Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency

T: (284) 440-0040

General Enquiries:  communications@bvirecovery.vg 

Website: www.bvirecovery.vg