Minister for Communication and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer has addressed the challenges and accomplishments with regard to the Territory’s utilities following the passage of Hurricane Erin last weekend.

Honourable Rymer in his Territorial Address stated that the damages sustained by the utility companies namely the Public Works Department (PWD), Water and Sewage Department, and the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) were offset by collaboration and coordination of various agencies to conduct ghut clearings ahead of the hurricane. 

Honourable Rymer said, “PWD District response teams were deployed across the Territory throughout the event, providing real-time updates on site conditions, hazards, and operational needs. Their work enabled timely interventions and strong coordination with the Department of Disaster Management and other agencies.”

The minister added, “The ghut adjacent to the Road Town Fire Station remained fully operational with no overflow or damage due to pre-storm preparations. Heavy equipment was deployed in real time to stabilise saturated roads and clear debris. Every site was visually logged and assessed for structural, environmental, and public safety impacts. Early interventions prevented more severe damage.”

Honourable Rymer said Sabbath Hill, Nottingham Estate, and Jennings Hill were the most affected areas in the Territory and that remediation work and valuations were underway. 

He said mitigation and repairs on Tortola include: Sabbath Hill, which involves regrading with road base, drainage improvements, and concreting of the road surface.

Honourable Rymer added, “At Nottingham Estate, fractured pipelines are being re-laid and road rehabilitation work are ongoing. At Jennings Hill, rehabilitation requires a revetment wall; designs and costings are being prepared. Estimated cost for these mitigation works is $66,500.”

The minister said departments in his ministry conducted water rationing measures and road clearing exercises during and after Hurricane Erin to return the Territory to a state of normalcy.

The Territorial Address can be viewed in its entirety on the Government’s website at www.bvi.gov.vg or on the Government’s Facebook page at BVIGovernment.

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Photo 1: Photo of the Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer

Photos 2, 3: Photos from the Press Conference Announcing the Official Delegation and Update on the Upcoming Carifesta Participation and Post Hurricane Erin Update

(Photo credit: Kamaal Lettsome)