Penn unveils five-point plan to tackle BVI water crisis

Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has set out a five-part strategy to address water shortages across the British Virgin Islands, focusing on storage expansion, production facilities and infrastructure repair.

Under the National Democratic Party's "Water Solutions That Work" campaign, Penn wants Tortola's emergency reserves to grow from a six-hour supply to a week's worth. This would involve enlarging the primary tank at Sabbath Hill to three million gallons and adding secondary capacity at Zion Hill, Fort Hill, Hannah Hill and Balsam Ghut. Virgin Gorda would see storage built up at Minton Hill, Anegada at the Settlement, and Jost Van Dyke at Little Harbour.

The plan also calls for rebuilding desalination capacity at Cappoons Bay, Sea Cows Bay and Road Town, spreading production across Tortola instead of concentrating it in the east. A separate facility at Pier Park would serve cruise ships independently.

A third component addresses the deteriorating pipe system. Penn proposes introducing a systematic replacement schedule for damaged pipes that link storage to homes and businesses. "The right pipes will be used," the advertisement states.

The final element involves renegotiating the water supply contract with Seven Seas, formerly Biwater, when the agreement ends. Penn seeks terms that would deliver greater accountability and long-term viability.

The proposals respond to ongoing water shortages affecting multiple communities. Works Minister Kye Rymer announced in July that the government had already begun rebuilding four reservoirs at Long Bush, Zion Hill and Carrot Bay. He noted that road construction projects have created openings to upgrade aging pipelines and install modern pressure control systems.