STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR TRANSPORTATION, WORK AND UTILITIES
HONOURABLE KYE M. RYMER
AT THE EIGHTH SITTING OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE FOURTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

ON ROAD TOWN WATER INTERRUPTION

THURSDAY 29^TH APRIL 2021

Mister Speaker my ministry continues to work towards having a continuous supply of potable water for the residents of these Virgin Islands.  As such, the ministry and the team at the Water and Sewerage Department have been working feverishly in upgrading the water supply network to the residents of the Territory, who have been experiencing water woes for some time now.  This is an important resource to us, especially now in this COVID era and we will continue to ensure that all of our residents have a continuous water supply.

Yesterday, Wednesday April 28, the city of Road Town was blanketed with an unfortunate disruption to the water supply. The water and sewerage team was immediately dispatched to remedy and provide a resolve. The updates from the morning observation, anticipated a resolution by noon of said day.

However due to the shift of weather, and prevailing conditions, of rain and in some instances fog, compounded the complexity of finding and locating this major leak in the network; resulting in the temporary suspension of the works.

As a result of the severity of the leakage and in an effort to expedite the anticipated works, Mister Speaker, we have closed a portion of the James Walter Francis Drive, going westbound from the roundabout at Port Purcell to the traffic light at Pasea.  Mister Speaker we anticipate to have water restored to residents as soon as possible.

Mister Speaker I humbly apologise for this unfortunate disruption and continue to ask for and thank the resilient residents of these Virgin Islands for their understanding and patience as we work to remedy this situation.

Mister Speaker I must also acknowledge the staff at the Water and Sewerage Department, who continue to respond to all interruptions in the water supply as well as sewerage issues, no matter the time of day.  Mister Speaker they are exemplary public officers and they are much appreciated.

I thank you.