There continues to be complaints about the lack of potable water across the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source

Acknowledging that there are challenges with the water distribution network across the Virgin Islands, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said the Minister of Communications and Works is working 'assiduously' to solve those challenges. Photo: GIS

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) is reportedly leading ‘a plan and a strategy’ to improve water distribution across the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/File

“There are a number of challenges for that but, overall, the Minister is leading a plan and a strategy to be able to improve the water distribution,” Dr Wheatley stated when asked about the water distribution woes while at a press conference on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

HDPE pipes being installed

The Premier said his government has already purchased HDPE pipes and those are being installed at various places in the Virgin Islands.

HDPE pipe is a type of flexible plastic pipe often employed for replacing aging concrete or steel main pipelines. Constructed from the thermoplastic HDPE (high-density polyethylene), it has low permeability and robust molecular bonding, making it suitable for high-pressure pipelines.

“Water turns off in some cases when Water and Sewerage [Department) is doing their work. Sometimes, of course, Water and Sewerage [Department] has to manage reservoir levels. There are a number of reasons why water would turn off in various places, but I am confident that the Minister, with the resources he has been given, would be able to make a serious improvement to the water distribution network,” Premier Wheatley stated.