The Water and Sewerage Department today announced that a major water line expansion project has begun on the island of Anegada. This project, upon its completion will enable the Government to significantly increase its water supply to residents and businesses on Anegada. The island will benefit from 90% access to water because of the expansion project.

The water expansion project commenced immediately after a ground breaking on Wednesday, 11th November, 2009. On hand were Water & Sewerage Director Julian Willock, Project Engineer Aki Boland, Project Superintendent Allister Potter, Project Manager Daniel Cline and the Department’s Trainee Engineer Keon August. The project is expected to take 18 months in its entirety.  The water lines will extend from the Settlement towards the west including West End Point and will reach as far as Cow Wreck Bay. At the east of the Settlement, the pipes will extend as far as Jack Bay Point and Loblolly Bay.

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Julian Fraser RA, said that the Project which is the brainchild of the District Representative Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, could not have come at a more opportune time for the economy of the island, as it stands to engage over 37 contractors, and provide employment for countless other residents.

The Minister went on to say that he was pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with the District representative to see another project under his Ministry being executed as the Ministry of Communications and Works remains committed to serving all communities in the Virgin Islands.

The Minister confirmed that his ministry will never leave the sister islands behind in our territory’s infrastructural developments. He said water access remains a basic right of each citizen and he was happy with the financial support and persistence of the Hon. Premier and Minister of Finance, Ralph T. O’Neal OBE on this project.

Manager of Anegada Reef Hotel, Ms. Vivian Wheatley, said that she was delighted about the extension especially since it will make water accessible to the hotel which is on the western end of the island.

The projected cost of this project is $2.7 million with a pipe footage of over 55,000 feet.
The water line expansion project is in line with Government’s commitment to ensure that the people of the territory have a continuous supply of potable water which contributes to our quality of life.