Gov’t unveils water relief plan amid territory-wide crisis

Minister of Transportation, Works, & Utilities Kye Rymer.

The government is developing a temporary water incentive plan to support residents facing continued disruptions in water supply, Works Minister Kye Rymer announced during a press conference yesterday.

According to Rymer, the plan will provide essential resources and support to residents affected by the water supply issues. He added that the water incentive plan was developed “to help ease the burdens faced by households during this challenging time.”

The minister said details of the plan would be communicated later, but its goal is to provide short-term relief while the government advances broader water infrastructure upgrades.

The water crisis has become a pressing national concern, with communities across the territory experiencing frequent and prolonged water disruptions. Rymer listed affected areas including Sea Cows Bay, Baughers Bay, Road Town, Huntums Ghut, Purcell Estate, and outlying islands such as Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.

“Your constant cries for help have not gone unnoticed,” Rymer insisted. “We are committed to bringing about real and lasting change.”

The government has allocated $8 million from a $100 million loan facility to jumpstart water projects under a six-point plan. Among other priorities, the plan includes leak detection and repairs, reservoir upgrades, smart monitoring systems, and community engagement.

Rymer confirmed the government would use a special procurement approach to accelerate progress. “Cabinet has deemed water a critical issue, and hence we will be able to single-source. We’ll be able to use single-source procurement and restricted tendering,” he explained.

International assistance has also been enlisted. Operators Without Borders, a volunteer group of engineers, has been deployed to the territory and team member Mike Hewitt said they found “massive leakage” due to ageing pipes and pressure imbalances. He estimated water loss at around 80 per cent.

“You’re having to produce almost twice as much water as you need so that people can be served,” Hewitt stated. “If you can even get that down to 40 per cent in five years, and then 20 per cent after that, that’s a huge impact,” he added.

The government is inviting local contractors to register their interest in supporting the repairs.