Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and the delegation from the Virgin Islands, toured the Nanshan Water and Sewerage Treatment Plant in Shenzhen, China. Photo: Office of the Premier

One of the standout features of the Nanshan Water and Sewerage Treatment Plant in Shenzhen, China was the use of robotics, including a robot dog that aids in monitoring and inspection tasks. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands delegation touring the Nanshan Water and Sewerage Treatment Plant in Shenzhen, China. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands delegation learning more about the Nanshan Water and Sewerage Treatment Plant in Shenzhen, China. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The implementation of advanced technology could revolutionise the efficiency and sustainability of water and sewage management in the Territory, as was raised during a brief discourse with Acting Director of Communications Mrs Karia J. Christopher and Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).

According to the Premier—in Shenzhen, it was observed during a site visit—“Before the automation, there were maybe 22 persons. With automation, they cut that down to eight persons. That’s a huge facility. In the Virgin Islands, we have so many needs. Automation would be important for us to be able to operate these facilities.”

One of the standout features of the modern plant was the use of robotics, including a robot dog that aids in monitoring and inspection tasks. “They use technology very effectively. They were very efficient, very effective,” Dr Wheatley noted, stressing the importance of adopting similar practices in the Virgin Islands.

Sustainability & resource utilisation

Beyond efficiency, the Premier noted the facility’s sustainable practices could be adapted for local use, “How to conserve. They were energy efficient.”

Of particular interest was the facility’s approach to waste management, where byproducts of the water treatment process are repurposed.

“We saw water being used for irrigation purposes, for grass, for plants and that’s something we discussed in the Virgin Islands as well.” 

He noted that at the utility facility visited by the delegation, “The sludge was actually used to be able to make chairs and the sludge was being able to make tiles, ceramics; I think definitely, as opposed to just incinerating the sludge, we have to explore what we can do to recycle and make the best use of the sludge and the wastewater.”

Conceding that the Virgin Islands may not yet have the resources to fully replicate the large-scale innovations—as witnessed, at the facility he visited—the Premier remains optimistic.

Local implementation & adaptation

He disclosed that efforts are already underway to integrate some of these innovative practices into the territory’s water treatment strategy. 

“Our work is being done by a company who went through a transparent bidding process. So, we’re very happy to get that water treatment plan prepared” he said adding that moving forward, negotiations with contractors and technology providers will focus on incorporating automation and sustainability principles. 

“I think we can negotiate with the companies and the providers to ensure that some of the things that we saw today, some of those principles can be applied.”

He did caution though that the technical persons will have to confirm if these are possible given the Territory’s scale adding, “At the very least, we can engage them based on the experience we have.”