Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 30, 2004): At the Launching Ceremony of the Electricity Billing Ceremony, Parliamentary Representative of Constituency # 2 Honourable G.A. Dwyer Astaphan thanked several key players in the electricity project.
Minister Astaphan noted that as Parliamentary Representative for the area he was pleased that the process had been completed which would certainly improve the electricity service to the Federation. He gave special commendation to the Ministry of Public Works, Utilities, Transport and Posts noting that the task was a labour of love judging from the expression of pride on the workers’ faces. He also singled out the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister for permitting the flow of financing for the project.
Minister of Public Works, Utilities, Transport and Posts Honourable Halva Hendrickson explained that the Electricity and Water Improvement Project is another project being undertaken by his ministry. That project should amount to US$13 million or EC$35 million.
He said that $20.9 million had been allotted for the water segment of the project which included the drilling of 20 wells, at least seven of which are expected to be functional. This he said should increase the island water supply by two million gallons. At present the water capacity is four million gallons.
Minister Hendrickson explained in detail some of the work that is taking place under the electricity component of the Electricity and Water Improvement Project. This includes the rerouting of the new 12KV lines, erection of poles, update the conductor size and build type two and type three substations. He said that the establishment of the substations will enable the electricity department to isolate specific localities when problems arise rather than having to turn off the electricity in entire areas, as has to be done presently.
Minister Hendrickson explained that the billing system project involved over US$700,000 for the renovation component and US$433,364 for the purchase of equipment
