W&E minister gives update on water supply
The Ministry of Works & Engineering has been working to find ways to provide the Island with a larger water supply.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Minister Derrick Burgess updated the public on a number of initiatives his Ministry is working on.
Mr. Burgess said after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Government and Watlington Water Works earlier this year, work had begun at the Government reservoir at Tudor Hill, Southampton.
"This work is scheduled to be complete by March 2011 and will see an additional three million gallons per month delivered to customers at the west end of the Island", he added.
As far as supply in the east, Mr. Burgess said: "We are currently in the final stages of completing the movement of the containerised Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant to Marginal Wharf which will provide an increase of water supply to the Bermuda Land Development Company Limited's water truckers' outlet.
"The plant will provide up to 100,000 gallons per day for this outlet."
He continued: "In addition to the relocation of the containerised RO plant, I announced earlier this year that the Government had approved the construction, operation and maintenance of a new 125,000 imperial gallons per day reverse osmosis plant to supply increased amounts of potable water to the distribution system in St. George's.
"Work is ongoing and this plant is scheduled to begin operation in mid November this year."
Mr. Burgess also said the expansion of the Tynes Bay Facility is ongoing and includes internal work, a new feed water system and a connection to the Tynes Bay waste-to-energy facility for power.
"Water conservation is a tripartite partnership between the Government, water truckers and the public. We must all play our part to ensure that we manage our unique water resources responsible", he added.
The Minister said in addition to the updates, he had a meeting with water truckers at Devonshire Recreation Club Monday night where they raised concerns.
"Water truckers were particularly concerned about occasions when their access to the truckers' station at Frog Lane is denied because of persons who park their cars in the area.
"This matter rears its ugly head particularly when there are major sporting events at the National Sports Centre.
"We implore motorists not to park their vehicles in the truckers' station or across the entrance.
"We shall ask the Police to be extra vigilant in that area."
Mr. Burgess also said the workers concerns included the need for improved lighting and extended hours at some stations.