$13 million dollars ($13,000,000) has been committed to address the Territory’s ongoing water crisis and strengthen the reliability of water accessibility across the Virgin Islands.

This significant investment is expected to support measures aimed at improving water availability, addressing critical system needs and providing greater resilience for residents, businesses and public institutions.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley in an interview on the September 30th broadcast of the Virgin Islands Voice (VI Voice) emphasised that the commitment reflects its recognition of the importance of a dependable water supply to the Territory’s households, economy and overall development. 

Premier Wheatley said, “I want the Minister and new Director, and VIEWCo, which is coming to know, you have the full support of the Minister of finance and the Government of the Virgin Islands in getting our water system restored.”

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer gave a synopsis of the progress that has been made in relation to water infrastructure and stated how the additional five-million-dollar investment would be utilised in the priority area. 

Hourable Rymer said of the $100 million dollar loan that the government received in 2024, $8 million of that is allocated to water. 

“We are spending that money at a rapid pace, purchasing pipes, purchasing water meters, rehabilitating our reservoirs, going through that process,” the minister said, adding, “What I can announce tonight is cabinet approved, the step that will be taken to the house next week. There's an additional $5 million allocated for water infrastructure. Water is a national priority, and we want to have a smart system, that is what we are working on in terms of sitting in a room, being able to monitor the system, and understand where leaks would be, preventative measures, and also, being able to adjust the system remotely, but that will cost some money.”

Minister Rymer mentioned other notable developments including the rehabilitation of the Hannah Hill, Zion Hill, and Carrot Bay Reservoirs. Plans are also underway to recommission a desalination plant in Sea Cows Bay. The September 30th broadcast of the VI Voice can be viewed on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook and Youtube pages at BVIGovernment and Government of the Virgin Islands.

Residents are urged to continue using water responsibly and to monitor official Government channels for updates regarding water services and related projects.

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The Ministry of Communications and Works is dedicated to ensuring the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure in keeping with international standards so that public utilities are reliable and affordable in support of an enhanced community life for every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands.