Press Release

Ministry of Communications and Works
Water and Sewerage
Release Date:
Friday, 1 September 2023 - 8:55am

Director of the Water and Sewage Department Mr. Brian Davis said his department has addressed the situation on Virgin Gorda where residents were encountering a foul odor emanating from their taps.

Mr. Davis said that the foul smell which affected residents of the Valley, Virgin Gorda and particularly those who are connected to the public water supply was as a result of seaweed build up around the vicinity of the Handsome Bay Water Production Plant. He said  a number of measures were implemented to eliminate the foul smell as well as any other risks.

 “Firstly, the Water and Sewerage Department conducted tests early this morning at various sample points including the water plant, the reservoir as well as North and South Valley areas in the distribution system. The results confirmed that there was no bacteria found in the water,” the director said.

Mr. Davis said that in addition, Water and Sewage Department personnel also flushed the lines in areas that are considered dead-end to eliminate stagnant and any compromised quality of foul odor smell. He also added that  the cleanup of the Sargassum build up at the handsome bay shoreline has commenced.

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer thanked the public servants for their continued commitment to the community.

Honourable Rymer said, “As Minister responsible for the subject, I would like to thank all the stakeholders, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Water and Sewage Department and the Handsome Bay Water Plant who played a role in speedily resolving this matter.”

Honourable Rymer also apologised to the customers and residents of Virgin Gorda for any inconvenience or anxiety caused and assured them that the matter has been resolved.

Author

Paul Bridgewater

Information Officer I (Ag.)
Department of Information and Public Relations
Telephone:468-3333
Email: Pbridgewater@gov.vg