GOVERNMENT JOINS WITH PRIVATE SECTOR FOR VG WATER PROJECT

Friday, June 22 – A water project on Virgin Gorda is bringing water access to residents and businesses from Milton Hill to Mango Bay.

The project is a joint effort between Yates and Associates and Mr. Dwight Flax, to lay some 8,400 feet of eight-inch water mains along with fire hydrants and valves to provide water access to the area.

Under a partnership agreement with the Water and Sewerage Department, Yates and Associates and Mr. Flax will be responsible for the procurement of all materials, labour and any other related cost associated with the works while the department ensures that the project meets their specifications.
The infrastructure will become the property of the Government of the British Virgin Islands and will be managed by the Water and Sewerage Department after the completion of the project.

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Elmore Stoutt said he is pleased that after much negotiating between the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Water and Sewerage Department,  Ms. Christine Yates and Mr. Dwight Flax, all parties were able to cooperate on this important project.  
Director of the Water and Sewerage Department Julian Willock said the project is being supervised by the Water and Sewerage Department and to date more than 600 feet of pipe have been laid.  Mr. Willock added that he is pleased that the department’s standards are being up-held.  
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Both Minister Stoutt and Mr. Willock expressed their delight to be a part of such a joint venture between Government and the private sector as good corporate responsibility is now a prudent best practice internationally.

The laying of the pipes on Virgin Gorda is in keeping with Government’s commitment to continue to strengthen the Territory’s infrastructure. The mandate of the Water and Sewerage Department, under the Ministry of Communications and Works, is to provide the people of the British Virgin Islands with a continued supply of potable water and an environmentally sound sewerage disposal service.

Contact:    Aisha F. Hill Information Officer I
Telephone: 468-3701 ext. 3058
Email: [email protected]