Gov't leaking reservoirs contribute greatly to water loss
While there is a long list of reasons for the lack of water to residents, including old pipes, lack of proper distribution, and lack of pumps, the Water and Sewerage Department needs leadership and staff.
Additionally, the Communications and Works Minister Hon Kye M. Rymner (R5) has also spoken about the lack of funds.
However, there are also other factors at play.
5 leaking reservoirs
Currently, the Government of the Day loses thousands of gallons of water because of leaking government reservoirs that continue to account for lost revenue. It is our understanding that there are some five leaking reservoirs on Tortola alone and water is lost daily unabated.
Leaking reservoirs have been contributing to the undermining of roads, private and public properties and even the land the reservoirs are located on.
There are leaking reservoirs in Sea Cows Bay-Hannah Hill, Sabbath Hill, Fort Hill- (the two reservoirs located there) and Balsam Ghut on the main island of Tortola. Because of the leakage, many areas are without water since the reservoirs are most often unable to fill up to the required capacity to provide more distribution.
It is unclear if the Government’s plans to fix the water woes, including fixing existing leaking reservoirs or their replacements.
A visit by our Team of Reporters confirmed, for example, a leaking reservoir at Hannah Hill where it appears to be leaking from the base, sending water down on the main road on a daily basis.
Leaking reservoirs to be upgraded- Hon Rymer
Honourable Rymer, in an invited comment, told our News Centre that the Water and Sewerage Department, along with the Ministry of Communications and Works, is "cognizant of the prevalent leaks" at several reservoirs throughout Tortola.
"These leaks have impacted our ability to reliably distribute water throughout Tortola," Hon Rymer confirmed.
The Works Minister said the leaking reservoirs are among the older reservoirs and are subject to upgrade.
"As a result, the Ministry is currently preparing tender documents for issuance to upgrade and enhance the leak-prone reservoirs. In the interim, we will be pursuing short-term remedies to mitigate against persistent leaks," Hon Rymer disclosed.
It is unclear the situation on the Sister Islands; however, both Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda have been having recent water challenges.
Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Water and Sewerage Department, Mr Brian Davis did not respond to our request for comment.
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25 Responses to “Gov't leaking reservoirs contribute greatly to water loss”
Trust me, if I had my own property, I would suffice with a single level wooden domicile, decked with solar panels and the biggest drum that my money can buy.
THEY AINT LOOSING / GUESS WHO GETTING RIPPED OFF ❓️???? DO THE MATH
Severely cutting back on the wastage of the precious water should be be Job #1.. The BVI does not have any lakes, rivers, ponds, dams, etc as water sources to tap into / up take from to process for delivery to residents, so it has to go to desalination. This requires production, storage etc. Consequently , these facilities must be properly constructed, maintained and repaired. These reservoirs or tanks must sit on a strong base with a built in safety capacity. Furthermore, the government must develop a) short, b) medium, and c) long- term plan to meet the community water needs. Water and sewage must immediately implement a wastage plan of action, ie, identified leakages must be addressed soonest and corrected. This requires crews to be trained and educated on maintenance and repair and be on stand by to attack leaks/ wastages . People caught/ identified stealing water should be harshly dealt with. Why in 2024 does water and sewage does not have an embarrassment of riches of people trained and educated on tge O &M of the water and sewage systems in the BVI? Why water and sewage is so poorly managed? Why water and sewage is under invested in? Why it is not a gop priority for government? Why there is no water and sewage master plans? The lessness and incompetence wreaks to high heaven. I’ m out. ????????????????????????
Nauseating group of no good unconscionable vagabonds.. YT man no comparison to this domestic everyday assault and denial of our most basic of Human Rights by the Blacks like Me cruelty and wanton neglect of salaried duties
Black on Black crime belly back and side.
You lie!!! I can't imagine how daily water leakage amounts to water loss; this is unbelievable.