The pipes to be used by Biwater that are currently on site are made of ductile iron and not cast iron, according to Minister Fraser.

Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser RA describes the "cast iron" accusation by the NDP as an act of desperation.

In an interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Minister Fraser said he wanted to set the record straight, stating that the ductile iron pipes are standard for potable water and guaranteed for 75 years.

“They are the industry standard for potable water in the United States, Canada, and around the world,” he further stated.

According to Minister Fraser, “Cast iron which has been in use since 1817 in places like the US as potable water mains, still today has some in use that are as much as 150 years old. However, this practice has since been discontinued in favor of ductile iron”.

He explained that ductile iron not only retains all of cast iron's attractive qualities, such as machinability, and corrosion resistance, but also provides additional strength, toughness, and ductility. “It is lighter, stronger, more durable and more cost effective than cast iron,” Hon. Fraser added.

Minister Fraser firmly reassured residents that the Government stands by the BiWater project and the high quality of product it will be getting.

“This Water Purchase Agreement with BiWater was negotiated by world renowned UK based Engineering firm Ove Arup as one of our Consultants, and I have absolutely no reservations about the quality of the product we are getting. The Virgin Islands Party Government stands behind the Project.”

Act of Desperation

Hon. Fraser described the claims by Smith as “an act of desperation" and that "the NDP has now resorted to doing what they have been mandated to do, which is to protect the interest of Ocean Conversion, by spreading propaganda, lies, and misinformation”.

Minister Fraser, who is also the 3rd District Representative, said such an act is misleading, and down-right hypocrisy.

“I shudder to think that someone seeking such high office would allow themselves to be misled. So I think that this is an act of deception, in his moment of despair”.

At a November 3, 2011 NDP rally, Smith had told supporters that Minister Fraser was bringing cast iron pipes to the VI and if they don’t believe him they can make a trip to the site and see for themselves.

“Mr. Liberator it seems that what you will liberate us from now is our good health, but I submit to you that the people of the Virgin Islands will not stand for such things. Mr. Liberator since you carry the weight of the whole VIP on your shoulders, since you are the man better than all the rest and all of that, you can’t even get our hospital finish, can’t get no mini hospital on Virgin Gorda, but you bring us rusty pipes to liberate us from our good health. On November 7 we will liberate ourselves from that kind of leadership,” OJ had claimed.