The technical team from Florida Aquastore, the specialised contractor engaged to rehabilitate five critical water reservoirs across the Virgin Islands, has commenced repair works on the Hannah Hill Reservoir.

Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer, along with the Deputy Premier and Third District Representative, Honourable Julian S. Fraser, RA, recently visited the site as preparations were underway to replace the reservoir's leaking floor.

Honourable Rymer said the rehabilitation works will also include the resealing of the reservoir's panels to improve structural integrity and prevent future water loss. The works are expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

The Minister advised that residents living at higher elevations in the Hannah Hill area, who rely most heavily on stored water pressure, may experience reduced water availability while the reservoir is temporarily taken offline for rehabilitation.

Honourable Rymer is encouraging affected customers to store an adequate supply of water in advance and to monitor updates from the ministry closely throughout the rehabilitation period.

"The ministry and the contractor will be working diligently to maintain continuous water flow through the distribution network during the initial phase of the repairs," Honourable Rymer said.

Upon completion of works at the Hannah Hill Reservoir, the rehabilitation programme will continue at the following locations:

• Fort Hill Reservoir
• Sabbath Hill Reservoir
• Minton Hill Reservoir, Virgin Gorda
• Balsam Ghut Reservoir

Florida Aquastore was awarded the contract in January 2026 at a value of $1,972,222.00 to undertake repairs to five reservoirs throughout the Territory. The project experienced delays due to the shipping and delivery of specialised materials and equipment required to complete the works.

Established in 1983, Florida Aquastore is a specialised contractor with more than 40 years of experience in the design, construction, and rehabilitation of water storage tanks and wastewater treatment facilities. The company is recognised for its proprietary Aquastore® glass-fused-to-steel, corrosion-resistant tank system and has completed more than 2,000 installations worldwide, including the Hannah Hill Reservoir.

The reservoir rehabilitation project represents the first major phase of the Government's multi-year Water Infrastructure Action Plan, an initiative aimed at strengthening the Territory's water storage and distribution network. Through this programme, the Ministry of Communications and Works continues to advance the development and maintenance of critical public infrastructure in accordance with international standards, ensuring that public utilities remain reliable, resilient, and affordable for residents and visitors alike.

About the Ministry of Communications and Works

The Ministry of Communications and Works is the Government of the Virgin Islands' lead agency for the planning, development, maintenance, and management of the Territory's public infrastructure and utility services. This mandate is delivered through its departments, statutory bodies, and committees, which work collaboratively to advance national infrastructure priorities and public service delivery.

Through strategic investments, infrastructure development programmes, and maintenance initiatives, the Ministry is committed to strengthening resilience, improving connectivity, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. Guided by international standards and best practices, the Ministry continues to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable infrastructure that supports the Territory's social and economic development.