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by pltm
(PLTM) - Earlier this week, Deputy Premier and Minister of Commuånication and Works Hon. Kye Rymer presented the Sewerage Authority Act, 2022 for its Second Reading in the House of Assembly.
This Bill will result in the Water and Sewerage Department being managed and controlled by a statutory board.
This piece of legislation has been regarded as “transformative” by Hon. Rymer, since it will contribute to significant improvement in the distribution of potable water throughout the Territory.
The transfer of responsibility is also intended to ensure that potable water is managed with increased levels of efficiency and effectiveness, that cannot be currently facilitated under the existing structure.
“Our people need an efficient and reliable water supply. They deserve it. And therefore, there is no justification for delaying the transformation of the Water and Sewerage Department from a Division under the Ministry of Communications and Works, into a Statutory body that will have the autonomy to deliver the service that our people need and deserve,” Hon. Rymer indicated.
Given the geographical composition of the Virgin Islands, limited access to natural water supply and scarcity have contributed to persistent water woes.
According to Hon. Rymer, “The Virgin Islands Territory has faced periods of drought for generations. Our geography is such that we do not have large flowing rivers and huge lakes, as other countries do, which they can draw water from. So, water shortages are something that we have faced historically.”
These issues have been exacerbated by inadequate water distribution networks, the sewerage collection system being disconnected from storm drains, and limited capacity to enhance the system’s function.
Hon. Rymer noted that this initiative that was being currently presented in the House, and which had also been discussed by previous administrations, will tackle these issues in a deliberate way.
Opposition Leader and Representative for the Third District Hon. Julian Fraser was of the view that the roles, responsibilities, and functions of this proposed Board should be managed by a local professional who possess sufficient experience and expertise in this area.
“I want somebody from right here who knows the system and knows what the problems are and know why they are not being fixed to be on this Board,” Hon. Fraser stated.
