A year after government took control of operations, the Baughers Bay water plant was “fully commissioned” March 11, and has been producing about one million gallons per day since then, announced Julian Fraser, minister of communications and works, at a press conference today.
“Let me first apologise to the people who were directly affected by the conditions at the plant,” Mr. Fraser said. Residents in and around Road Town have “endured tremendous hardship” because of low or no water production, he said.
Mr. Fraser estimated that the repairs on the plant over the last year — which included repairing wells, installing new seawater pumps, and new computer software and hardware — cost about $2 million. He added, though, that the “figures are still being tallied.”
One reporter asked whether the government would consider negotiating with the BVI Investment Club in the future. Mr. Fraser said that up to now he had been focused on getting the plant up and running.
“The plant is now back in operation,” he said. “Any other discussion regarding the operation of the plant here on is above my pay grade.” However, Mr. Fraser said he did think the plant at Baughers Bay “has a long life.”
See the March 31, 2011 edition for full coverage.