After languishing in disrepair since the devastating hurricanes of 2017, the Burt Point Waste Water Treatment Plant has been resurrected, signalling a significant stride forward in environmental conservation and public health.
A ceremony held on Friday, April 12, marked the official recommissioning of the plant, attended by esteemed dignitaries and officials.
Minister for Communication and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, lauded the plant’s reopening, highlighting its critical role in providing tertiary-level sewage treatment to key areas in the surrounding communities.
He emphasized that the approximately $2.6 million invested in rehabilitation works and upgrades has transformed the facility into a state-of-the-art operation and announced a pivotal shift in sewage disposal practices, noting that all dumping of sewage at the Road Town pump station is now prohibited and should be redirected to the newly operational Burt Point pump station
Minister Rymer, while noting that the government expended more than $10 million to acquire the plant, said plans are in place to ensure that all commissioned plants are properly maintained.
He said the comprehensive upgrades to the Burt Point facility, which included the installation of new equipment and infrastructure enhancements, have elevated its capacity to treat sewage to a higher standard.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, echoed Minister Rymer’s sentiments, reaffirming the government’s commitment to resolving the territory’s infrastructural challenges.
He underscored the priority placed on sewage and road repairs, emphasizing their significance in fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Meanwhile, Third District Representative and Opposition Member, Honourable Julian Fraser, expressed satisfaction at the plant’s recommissioning, although noting the delay in its restoration.
He reiterated his longstanding advocacy against the adverse effects of raw sewage dumping in the ocean, emphasizing the importance of prompt action in protecting marine ecosystems.