Road Town, Tortola - The Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Julian Fraser, RA held a press conference today to further educate the public on the elements of the BiWater Contract and to correct misinformation being circulated in the media.
“It is my goal to report accurately the BiWater agreement and highlight to you from the water purchase agreement itself, the facts,” Honourable Fraser said as he began his statement.
The minister outlined some of the terms of the agreement and how it would benefit the Government. In addition, he clarified a number of inaccuracies being circulated.
“Let me confirm for the record that no monies will be paid to BiWater except for water received in the reservoir,” the minister said and referenced page 24 clause 11.1 of the agreement.
The minister also clarified that Government will not be guaranteeing any loans for BiWater and he also dispelled the notion that there are no penalties in this agreement to ensure compliance.
“On page 26, clause 11.6 where the sewage plant is not operational by the STP longstop date the company shall pay the sum of $5,000 per day. On page 29, clause 15.1.2 in the case of a total delivery failure lasting in excess of six hours, there will be an additional sum paid by the company to the employer of an amount equal to $1,000 per day for each failure day,” the minister quoted.
Hon. Fraser stated that Government will be creating a contract management board to ensure the effective management of the water purchase agreement for the duration of the contract.
“Because this administration cares about its people and continues to strive to empower our citizens, this agreement ensures that the people of the Virgin Islands, particularly our contractors are given first preference for employment,” the minister reaffirmed. The water purchase agreement is expected to pump some $45 million dollars into the BVI economy.
The minister closed by informing the gathering that they can expect to hear more details on the facts as they appear in the agreement and the minister also confirmed that Hon. Premier Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE will deliver an address on the topic in the coming weeks.
Government is committed to the modernization and expansion of the Territory’s infrastructure.
British Virgin Islands News