Residents of Long Swamp, Fat Hogs Bay, Greenland, and surrounding communities are being strongly encouraged to register with the Water and Sewerage Department and connect to the public sewerage system before the end of 2026.

During a walkthrough of the Long Swamp Pump Station on Monday 15th September, Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to improving sewerage infrastructure and highlighted that the Ministry will cover the installation costs for households that connect to the system.

“This has been a project we recommissioned a few years ago. Today, we are here to update the public on its progress, our expected timeline for completion, and most importantly, to urge residents to connect to the sewerage system so they can flush with confidence”, Minister Rymer stated.

Community Responsibility Highlighted

The Minister was joined by Premier and Seventh District Representative, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, and Eighth District Representative, Honourable Marlon Penn, who both stressed the importance of community cooperation in addressing long-standing sewerage runoff issues affecting the Seventh and Eighth Districts.

Premier Wheatley noted that while connecting to the system is not yet mandatory, residents will not be permitted to allow wastewater to run onto public roads.

“I strongly encourage everyone to hook up as soon as possible. What cannot continue is wastewater flowing into the streets—that is not a matter of choice. The best thing we can all do is connect to the system so that we don’t have to escalate enforcement measures. Let’s act responsibly, protect our environment, and keep our communities clean, beautiful, and healthy,” Premier Wheatley said.

Pump Station Nears Completion

Contractor for BioSafe Solutions, Mr. Kern Mitchell, and Project Manager, Mr. Marquese Maduro, confirmed that the Long Swamp Pump Station project is approximately 85% complete. They are currently awaiting approval for the final road closure to facilitate installation of the last manhole and sewerage connection.

Mr. Mitchell thanked the Government of the Virgin Islands for entrusting BioSafe with this critical project, which will divert wastewater from the streets into the soon-to-be-commissioned treatment facility at Paraquita Bay.