The Government of the Virgin Islands has formally commissioned the Long Swamp Sewerage Pump Station, a major milestone in delivering a long‑awaited sewerage system for the East End and Long Look communities.

 The commissioning ties together three of four key project pillars, the Long Swamp collection hub, the transmission mains, and the repaired Paraquita Bay treatment plant, and begins the commissioning and testing phase ahead of full system operation.

Delivering on a Promise Kept

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer noted that the commissioning of the Long Swamp Pump Station is the culmination of over fifty (50) years of planning, setbacks, multiple administrations, and the kicking of political footballs to get the facility to fruition.

Honourable Rymer said for decades, the community was asked to wait. He said plans were drawn up. monies were allocated, and other projects took priority. “Only the people of East End and Long Look were left to wonder if anyone in government actually remembered them. But that cycle ends today. Those questions are answered today” he stated.

The Minister for Communications added, “To the residents standing here today, and to those who will hear about this from their neighbours, I want you to understand what this means for your daily life. It means you can flush with confidence. It means the sewage from your home will no longer end up in the ghuts. It will not flow down the streets for your children and elderly to walk through. Today, we are taking decisive action to eliminate those long-standing challenges from this community. But let me be very clear with everyone here. This system will only reach its full potential unless you connect to it. The Government has removed the financial barrier. If you register with the Water and Sewerage Department before the end of 2026, the connection cost is covered by us. Free of charge.”

Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley stated that he made a promise before he was elected to the people of his district and the surrounding communities that the disrespect and neglect would stop, and the commissioning of the Long Swamp Sewage Pump Station was one of the projects that fell under that category. 

Premier Wheatley said, “Today’s commissioning is proof that we are keeping that promise.  The East End‑Long Look Sewerage Project is being implemented in three phases, and with each phase we move closer to completing a system that the people of this district have deserved for decades. This sewerage system is not just a piece of infrastructure, it is an investment in public health, in dignity, and in the quality of life of our people.”

The Premier explained that a reliable sewerage system meant cleaner surroundings, safer water, and a healthier environment for families, businesses, and future generations. He added, “It is part of our broader commitment to build a Territory where development is not concentrated in one area but shared across all communities. Today’s milestone demonstrates that this Government is working; steadily, deliberately, and transparently; to deliver on the commitments we made, not only to the 7th and 8th District communities, but to the entire Virgin Islands.”

Biosafe Treatment and Septic Solutions Manager Mr. Patrick Mitchell said the project was tested and everything is functioning. “This is not the dream anymore; this is a reality. I want to thank the government of the day for making this happen and for choosing Biosafe Treatment and Septic Solutions. I am confident that we can do this and there's another project that we will be doing very soon which is from Long Swamp to Parham Town, and I look forward to doing that.”

The full ceremony of the Commissioning of the Long Swamp Pump Station can be viewed on the Government’s Facebook page at BVIGovernment.

About the Long Swamp Sewerage Pump Station

The Long Swamp Pump Station has been commissioned as the collection and pumping hub for sewerage from Fat Hogs Bay, Greenland, Little Dix Hill, Long Look and surrounding East End communities. The Paraquita Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant has been repaired and upgraded to tertiary, international treatment standards and is soon to be officially commissioned. Successful recent testing confirmed sewerage can be pumped from Long Swamp to Paraquita Bay. The system is ready to accept flows pending final testing and household connections. The remaining critical mains segment from Parham Town to Long Swamp will commence construction soon to complete the network. To remove the financial barrier to connection, the Government of the Virgin Islands will cover household connection costs for residents who register with the Water and Sewerage Department before 31st December 2026.