Road Town, Tortola - Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser, RA has affirmed that the contract signing between the Virgin Islands Government and BiWater not only addresses the water problems on Tortola but also the sewerage issues in Road Town.
During the contract signing on February 18, Hon. Fraser underscored the importance of having a sewage treatment plant. “Without a sewage treatment plant you can run all the pipes in the world, you are just going to have sewage when it is over. I think that must start and must start first,” Hon Fraser said.
Executive Chairman of BiWater, Mr. Adrian E. White, during his response stated, “We recognise the desperate need to tackle the sewerage refurbishment situation in Road Town and that will be our number one priority. We also recognise that training has to be number one on our agenda throughout the life of the project.”
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Mr. Julian Willock, who chaired the ceremony, said, “I can say with pride that change has come to the water and sewerage infrastructure of these islands because of the action taken with the signing of the BiWater contract by the Honourable Premier. Having been the Director of Water and Sewerage Department, I know firsthand what this signing means to many of the residents and visitors to our shores.”
The contract with BiWater is known as a Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) where the water plant will be handed over, free of charge, in good working condition to Government at the end of a 16-year period. The Government remains committed to the modernisation and expansion of the Territory’s infrastructure.
British Virgin Islands News