Residents of the Virgin Islands will soon be able to make payments to the Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD) online. Photo: VINO/File

A new online payment portal for Water and Sewerage Department will be launched in January 2025, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) said during the Twentieth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Friday, October 18, 2024. Photo: YouTube

A new online payment portal will be launched in January 2025, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) said during the Twentieth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Following successful testing, the online portal will be launched for customers to pay their water and sewerage bills using two distinct methods.

“The initiative represents a critical step toward modernising our water and sewerage services, providing residents and businesses with a user-friendly, secure, and efficient way to manage their utility payments. No longer will they need to navigate long queues or cumbersome processes; with just a few clicks, they will be able to access their accounts, view billing information, and make payments from the comfort of their homes or any location with internet access,” Hon Rymer said.

Features of the payment portal

The features of the portal include:

• 24/7 Accessibility: Customers can access the portal anytime, allowing for greater flexibility in managing their accounts.
• Dual Payment Options: This portal supports various payment methods, making it easier for everyone to choose their preferred way to pay. Regarding the dual payment options, Madam Speaker, customers can choose between two methods to pay their water and sewerage bills: Pay By Email: Users will receive a "Pay Now" link directly in their email, directing them to a platform where they can follow on-screen instructions to settle their outstanding invoices. Payment Portal: Customers can sign up on the PayGov portal at payment.gov.vg to create a login profile, entering their invoice number and customer number to complete the sign-up process.
• Account Management: Users can easily view their billing history and usage patterns, empowering them to make informed decisions about their water consumption.
• Security: The portal utilises state-of-the-art security measures to ensure customer information is protected.

Customer feedback welcomed

Hon Rymer stated that the portal will enhance convenience for customers, promoting timely payments while ensuring the sustainability of the VI’s water and sewerage services.

“As we move forward, we will gather feedback from our users to refine and improve the portal, ensuring it meets their evolving needs. We are committed to transparency and will keep this Honourable House informed of the progress and any future enhancements,” the minister added.

Hon Rymer said the launch of this initiative aligns with government’s National Sustainable Development Goal 4, emphasising infrastructure that demonstrates resilience and access to sustainable services.