BASSETERRE, Nevis, Oct. 06 2018 – THE Nevis Island Administration has taken control of the water services on island after BEAD formally handed control of its wells to the local government yesterday (Sept. 05).
At a simple ceremony in Maddens Estate, Nevis, NIA’s Minister of Water Services, Spencer Brand said the acceptance of the two operational wells and offline non-operational wells is significant because it means the NIA would now have full control over the entire water supply on Nevis.
BEAD, Bedrock Exploration and Development Technologies, completed a 10-year agreement with the NIA to provide water service to the island.
According to the Brand, the wells supply a significant amount of the total water production on the island, with the capacity of 237 imperial gallons per minute at the Maddens Estate and 275 imperial gallons per minute at Fothergills Estate in Gingerland.
“I would like to thank BEAD LLC for being in this Public Private Partnership agreement, and for fulfilling your legal obligations under the contract which was risky but valuable for both parties and commend them for their professionalism over the years.
“For those who may not be aware, BEAD took the risks of exploration, identifying, drilling, testing and developing the water wells and provided the equipment including the pumps and standby generators, pump stations and all the capital costs involved in realizing the wells.
“The NIA provided the concessions on imported equipment and materials for the project and paid for the supply of water at a rate US$2.50 per 1000 IMG initially, then US$1.85 per 1000 IMG later in the agreement. BEAD has therefore left an indelible mark in the history of supplying potable water on Nevis,” explained Brand.
The disclosure of the handing over of the wells was made earlier in the week by Premier, Mark Brantley at his monthly press conference.
Minster Brand reminded that there are still obligations to be fulfilled by BEAD on the island, in that, the NIA entered into an agreement with the company in 2017, to supply at least a half million imperial gallons per day to the Nevis Water Department (NWD).
This will be done by identifying, drilling, developing, building pump stations and installing the necessary equipment for the water wells, and immediately turn over the successful wells to the NIA.
“We anxiously await a speedy successful delivery of this contract,” the Minister exclaimed.
With the government taking control of the wells, it is responsible for 100 percent production; it will bring saving, the Minister revealed, as the government paid between US$35,000 and US$55,000 to BEAD for water supply – depending on demand.
“This however, does not necessarily translate into a lower rate for water to consumers as all the costs associated with labour, equipment, parts, supplies, repairs and consumables will now be assumed by the NIA; including the cost of maintaining the standby generators and the new wells which we expect to come on stream at the end of the second contract with BEAD,’ noted Brand.
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