As government forges ahead with the National Sewerage Project, the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Utilities will prioritise Cane Garden Bay and East End/Long Look “for a comprehensive overhaul and completion of the sewerage system,” TWU Minister Kye Rymer said last Thursday at the House of Assembly.

The first phase of the Cane Garden Bay Sewerage Project will see the assembly, installation and commissioning of a new wastewater treatment plant, Mr. Rymer said.

The second phase includes the installation of 10 new pump stations with control systems and backup generators, as well as more than 3,000 metres of new lines, according to the minister.

“Bid documents were issued in 2019 for the phased works,” he said. “Evaluations were conducted of the bids received and recommendations of contractors to undertake the two phases are currently being sent to Cabinet for approval.”

Work on both phases is expected to start by the end of June, he said, though he did not disclose a projected completion date.

In East End

The four-phase East End/Long Look sewerage project, he added, will begin with the installation of 1,400 metres of lines along with manholes, starting from Parham Town to Long Swamp.

Bid documents are open for the phase, and work is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, he said, though he did not project a completion date.

The second phase, he said, will include work from Fat Hogs Bay to the Paraquita Bay wastewater treatment plant. The third phase will involve the supply, installation and commissioning of seven pump stations and control systems between the plant and Parham Town.

The fourth phase, he added, will be the repair and commissioning of the plant.
“The second, third and fourth phases will be issued for bid at a later date,” the minister added without providing further details.

Water

Mr. Rymer also gave a brief update on water distribution. A pump has been installed at Long Trench station to provide a consistent supply of water to the residents of Sea Cows Bay and surrounding areas, he said.

Its operation, however, is dependent on a 480-kilowatt transformer being installed by the BVI Electricity Corporation, he explained.

Meanwhile, accurate billing of water for residents and businesses is dependent on the installation of more than 5,300 ultrasonic water meters with a wireless automatic meter reading system, according to the minister.

A contract is expected to be signed soon, and the installation and commissioning are anticipated by the end of September, he said.