Representative for the Sixth District, Hon. Myron Walwyn, has called on the Minister for Communication and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, to postpone the planned merger of the Water and Sewerage Department (WSD) with the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC).
Speaking during a recent House of Assembly sitting, Walwyn urged the minister to address pressing issues within the WSD before proceeding with the merger, which he warned could be a “severe mistake.”
Walwyn emphasized the ongoing water supply challenges affecting communities across the Virgin Islands, highlighting the need for significant improvements before any structural changes are made.
He also criticized the financial disparity in water management, noting that the government spends $29 million annually on water services but only sees a $5 million return.
In response, Minister Rymer acknowledged Walwyn’s concerns but defended the government’s decision to move forward with the merger. Rymer highlighted the potential benefits of combining the entities, including operational efficiencies and leveraging the similarities between the BVIEC and WSD.
The government has yet to confirm a timeline for the merger, leaving room for further dialogue and assessment of its potential impact.