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Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer has said water production was never the problem on Jost Van Dyke (JVD), explaining that leaks within the island’s ageing distribution system caused the recent disruption.
“Water production has never been the challenge on Jost Van Dyke,” Rymer stated today, September 29, while addressing concerns about residents’ access to potable water.
He said a leak developed between the treatment plant and the reservoir, requiring troubleshooting by the Water and Sewerage Department’s technical team.
As an interim measure, water was pumped directly through the distribution line. However, that line also developed leaks because of the ageing infrastructure, resulting in a temporary interruption to regular distribution.
“I am pleased to restate that the issue has since been rectified,” Rymer said.
The minister also announced that residents can now purchase potable water from a standpipe near the Water and Sewerage Department.
The standpipe is available Mondays to Fridays from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Residents wishing to purchase water must contact the department at 1-284-468-9429.
A representative will record the meter information, issue an invoice and process payment in keeping with the department’s billing procedures.
Rymer said residents agreed during a community meeting on Wednesday, July 8, that constructing a standpipe would provide a dependable alternative and help maintain access to water during future interruptions.
The water problems were previously raised in the House of Assembly by Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull.
On July 10, Turnbull said residents had been without running water for approximately three and a half weeks, forcing some to bathe in the sea. He also reported that businesses had closed and families were unable to flush toilets or meet other basic needs.
Turnbull said at the time that residents were hoping a water truck would be placed on Jost Van Dyke within two weeks to provide relief.
Rymer thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as the Ministry of Communications and Works continues efforts to improve the reliability and resilience of the island’s water-distribution system.
“Water production has never been the challenge on Jost Van Dyke,” Rymer stated today, September 29, while addressing concerns about residents’ access to potable water.
He said a leak developed between the treatment plant and the reservoir, requiring troubleshooting by the Water and Sewerage Department’s technical team.
As an interim measure, water was pumped directly through the distribution line. However, that line also developed leaks because of the ageing infrastructure, resulting in a temporary interruption to regular distribution.
“I am pleased to restate that the issue has since been rectified,” Rymer said.
The minister also announced that residents can now purchase potable water from a standpipe near the Water and Sewerage Department.
The standpipe is available Mondays to Fridays from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Residents wishing to purchase water must contact the department at 1-284-468-9429.
A representative will record the meter information, issue an invoice and process payment in keeping with the department’s billing procedures.
Rymer said residents agreed during a community meeting on Wednesday, July 8, that constructing a standpipe would provide a dependable alternative and help maintain access to water during future interruptions.
The water problems were previously raised in the House of Assembly by Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull.
On July 10, Turnbull said residents had been without running water for approximately three and a half weeks, forcing some to bathe in the sea. He also reported that businesses had closed and families were unable to flush toilets or meet other basic needs.
Turnbull said at the time that residents were hoping a water truck would be placed on Jost Van Dyke within two weeks to provide relief.
Rymer thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as the Ministry of Communications and Works continues efforts to improve the reliability and resilience of the island’s water-distribution system.
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