Restorative works continue on the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex as the Government of the Virgin Islands works to maintain its public infrastructure. Photo: GIS

Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) said the Government has developed a comprehensive, four pronged approach to the renovation of the Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex. Photo: GIS

The Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex was damaged in the hurricanes of September 2017. Photo: GIS

Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) said the Government has developed a comprehensive, four pronged approach to the renovation of the Administration Complex. This, he said, includes the demolition and removal of existing building components which includes the removal of all damaged components such as existing walls and floors; removal of all mold ridden items and mold remediation.

Honourable Rymer, according to a Government press release on Friday, April 2, 2021, said demolition works have been temporarily halted to allow for the relocation of the Treasury and Inland Revenue departments to their temporary location at Fish Bay. He said work will be done to repair the building’s cladding and ensure the building is watertight and resilient against high winds.

“The full installation of the waterproofing membrane to the roof of the building was completed by Professional Roofing Company,” Honourable Rymer stated. He added, “In addition, Wallan Glass completed the installation of the skylights and DesignBVI Limited will undertake the replacement of all exterior glass windows and doors.”

Designs for exterior being finalised

Restorative work on the building will also see the design and installation of new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and ICT (Information Communication Technology) systems, followed by interior outfitting and configuration.

“My ministry in conjunction with OBM Limited is finalising the designs to repair the exterior building cladding, as a close examination revealed numerous gashes and substantial damage throughout,” Honourable Rymer said.

Facilities such as the breezeway, conference rooms and the grounds of the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex were closed on March 30, 2021, to all events, to facilitate the ongoing works.