Works Minister blasted for non-functioning sewerage plant
It was during the Fourth Sitting of the Third Session of the House of Assembly on September 13, 2018, during the questions and answers, Hon Fraser questioned the Works Minister about the functionality of that sewerage plant.
In his response Minister Vanterpool, said that the plant was severely damaged during the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 and to date his Ministry is awaiting a report.
“The sewerage treatment plant at Burt Point is currently not operational…The sewerage treatment plant suffered significant electrical and other component in the plant were damaged seriously as a result of hurricane Irma and Maria.”
Bi-Water
“The Government engaged the Bi-Water team who are the engineers who developed the plant to revisit the plant and help us to provide a full analyst of the damages sustained and the necessary repairs that are needed and they are in the process of preparing a report for the Ministry to take action Madam Speaker, so that we can get the plant back up and operating as quickly as possible,” explained Hon Vanterpool.
This did not sit well with Hon Fraser, “Madam Speaker I have two problems,” he quickly rose to his feet in retort, “…one is that’s its one year now since the hurricane Irma situation and to be there talking about a report at this stage is unacceptable, totally unacceptable Madam Speaker given the importance of that plant.”
Hon Fraser described the Burt Point sewerage treatment plants as a “God Sent” as she indicated that it had put an end to the dumping of raw sewerage into the ocean having ran through sections of District three.
“Because we were tolerating it for so many years it seems as if there is no urgency in getting this plant fixed,” Hon Fraser posited as he demanded of the Minister to assure the Honourable House that the matter is being treated as urgent.
“We are not talking about waiting for a report any longer we are talking about repairing the plant and getting it running/functioning.”
Hon Vanterpool accepted the fact that it took too long to have the situation rectified, “I do accept the position that the Member stated that it is too long, it should have been done before and much quicker, but now that we are trying to move towards it I would pay attention very closely to it to make sure that the plant is up and running as soon as possible.”
The sewerage plant was constructed by Bi-Water some years ago but was subsequently turned over to the VI Government – a bit of information the Minister clarified before provided a response to question posed by Hon Fraser.
On Thursday, November 12, 2015 the Ministry of Communications and Works and the Water and Sewerage Department, formally took over the Burt Point Treatment Plant, through a joint signing of the Taking-Over Certificate.
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10 Responses to “Works Minister blasted for non-functioning sewerage plant”
The territory is not at the failed state condition as yet but it is quickly approaching it. Nothing seems to be working well, ie, education, health, public safety, roads, sewage, water, electricity, ports, social services, environment resource protection and preservation, agriculture, fishing, sister island services, drainage, public work services.....etc. What function is the model that can be benchmark? Additionally, property and violent crimes are spiking, cost of living is skyrocketing, government procuring of goods and services is highly inflated, along with poor financial stewardship($7.2M giveaway to BVI Airways, a bankrupt, bruk and dead beat airline) and fiduciary responsibility, inability to locally staff many positions ( Recent hiring of St. Lucia nationals at Prison, Port, Magistrate Court....etc. Cannot blame the current employees; blame falls on BVI/us.), ill preparedness and readiness for national disasters........etc. What grade has the government earned? D, F?
Moreover, proper collecting, conveying, treating and discharging of sewage is a First World standard. Has the BVI in spite of having the means, met that standard? No. Further, proper sewage management is a quality of life and standard of living issue. Furthermore, dumping raw sewage/s..it into the sea pollutes the water and is hazardous to human health. It adversely impacts fishing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, boating......etc. It pollutes fish, conchs, lobsters, crabs, whelks....etc; these are choice marine food sources for residents; it also impacts sea grass and reefs. Additionally and importantly, the pristine waters is a major draw for water- (bare boat) and land-based tourists. Tourism is 1/2 of the economic twin pillars; financial services, the other. Though, financial services provides more government revenue (approx 60%), tourism provides more direct and indirect employment. Let’s do the right thing and protect the sea, a vital natural resource. This is not a VIP, NDP, PUP or UP issue ; it is a BVI issue.
Lets lead like eagles, not careen off the cliff like buffaloes.