A targeted water subsidy programme is already being developed as the government works to ease the burden on residents affected by the Territory's prolonged water shortages.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 8, Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer acknowledged the frustration many families are facing and said the government understands the hardship caused by the unreliable water supply.
“Like every resident of these Virgin Islands, I understand the frustration and hardship many families have experienced with the current water supply,” Rymer said.
His statement came after Opposition Leader Hon. Marlon Penn called on the government to immediately introduce a water assistance and subsidy programme for residents forced to purchase water amid the ongoing drought.
Rymer said Cabinet is already working on a targeted relief programme for vulnerable households, stressing that the subsidy must be carefully designed to ensure it reaches those most in need while taking into account its financial impact.
The minister also outlined measures the government has taken to improve the Territory's ageing water system, including reconstructing four reservoirs, replacing ageing water lines and planning rehabilitation works on five additional reservoirs later this month. He added that discussions have also begun with water production companies to increase output.
Rymer said the prolonged drought, coupled with increased demand and power outages that interrupt water production, has further strained the system.
While acknowledging residents' concerns, he said the government remains focused on delivering long-term solutions through infrastructure upgrades rather than short-term fixes.
“Our objective is not simply to respond to today's challenges but to build a modern, resilient water system capable of serving the Virgin Islands well into the future,” Rymer said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 8, Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer acknowledged the frustration many families are facing and said the government understands the hardship caused by the unreliable water supply.
“Like every resident of these Virgin Islands, I understand the frustration and hardship many families have experienced with the current water supply,” Rymer said.
His statement came after Opposition Leader Hon. Marlon Penn called on the government to immediately introduce a water assistance and subsidy programme for residents forced to purchase water amid the ongoing drought.
Rymer said Cabinet is already working on a targeted relief programme for vulnerable households, stressing that the subsidy must be carefully designed to ensure it reaches those most in need while taking into account its financial impact.
The minister also outlined measures the government has taken to improve the Territory's ageing water system, including reconstructing four reservoirs, replacing ageing water lines and planning rehabilitation works on five additional reservoirs later this month. He added that discussions have also begun with water production companies to increase output.
Rymer said the prolonged drought, coupled with increased demand and power outages that interrupt water production, has further strained the system.
While acknowledging residents' concerns, he said the government remains focused on delivering long-term solutions through infrastructure upgrades rather than short-term fixes.
“Our objective is not simply to respond to today's challenges but to build a modern, resilient water system capable of serving the Virgin Islands well into the future,” Rymer said.
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