Water Network Improvement Reservoirs and Metering

STATUS: DELIVERY UNDERWAY

Ministry Partner: Ministry of Transportation, Works, and Utilities

Project Number: 140

Project Start Date: October 2019

Projected End Date: November 2020

Duration: 13 months

Contractor: Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd.

Funding Source: BVI Government

BACKGROUND

Hurricanes Maria and Irma caused damage to the water and sewage system estimated at around $63,000,000. There was severe damage to the water network and major storage reservoirs were all impacted to various extents. From minor impact to completely destroyed assets, the two hurricanes left a severely compromised infrastructure. The average level of un-accounted for water after the hurricanes stands over 50% and this comprises both physical and commercial losses.

Most of the water distribution network was impacted by the Hurricane leading to water leaks in the water supply network. The customer metering coverage is partially restored, with the rest of the customers being on assessed consumption. The Government has taken a holistic approach to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure.

Water Network Improvement

EVALUATING VALUE FOR MONEY

One of the core roles of the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) is ensuring Value for Money (VfM) in the delivery of programmes and projects aimed toward recovery and development of the Virgin Islands.

Activity

The projects will include the provision of new water reservoirs, retaining walls, and metering at three separate sites, Zion Hill, Carrot Bay, and Long Bush. The works include demolition and site clearance and the construction of new bolted glass fused to steel corrosion-resistant water tanks. This design allows for quick construction and minimal lifetime maintenance costs and is one of the most advanced and long-lasting technologies available for the storage of liquids.

Result

The work will start immediately providing a significant injection into the economy of the BVI and significant improvement to the water storage capacity at these three locations as well water distribution and leakage monitoring in the future.