Anegada Homes Left Without Basic Utilities
Several Anegada residents remain unable to move into homes completed years ago due to unresolved land ownership matters that prevent access to basic water and electricity connections. Former advisory committee chairman Darrell Ruan Jr highlighted the issue, urging government authorities to address the long-standing delays in granting property deeds.
Several Anegada residents remain locked out of fully constructed homes completed nearly four years ago because they cannot obtain connections to essential utilities, according to former Chairman of the Anegada Land Development Advisory Committee, Darrell Ruan Jr. The issue stems from unresolved land ownership matters surrounding ancestral family properties, locally known as wild paddocks.
Without formal title deeds or recognized documentation from the government, statutory utility providers are unable to officially establish electricity and running water connections for the new properties. Speaking on the Honestly Speaking radio programme, Ruan revealed that multiple young homeowners have found themselves in limbo after investing heavily into constructing their residences.
Ruan explained that the previous land advisory committee had vetted and approved applications for affected residents, forwarding their documentation to the appropriate government authorities. He noted that several applicants are part of a broader group of roughly 60 people whose corrected land files were expected to progress through the system, though tangible results have yet to materialize.
In an attempt to find immediate relief, Ruan said he recently intervened on behalf of one affected resident. He was advised to submit a formal letter to the BVI Electricity Corporation outlining the unique circumstances and requesting an emergency connection. However, despite submitting the request weeks ago, the homeowner has received no update.
The ongoing dilemma reflects decades of systemic challenges on Anegada regarding land titles, which historically have restricted residents from securing mortgages, obtaining building permits, and accessing public infrastructure. During a constitutional reform consultation held on Anegada earlier this year, Premier Dr.
Natalio Wheatley acknowledged the severe impact these administrative delays have had on the community. Wheatley stated that the government remains committed to issuing deeds so that residents can legally access utilities, secure commercial financing, and develop their ancestral lands.
Ruan emphasized that building on family land is standard practice on the sister island, pointing out that almost all residential construction occurs within traditional family paddocks. He confirmed that while he has raised the issue directly with government ministers, homeowners continue to wait for a practical resolution to move into their properties.
Primary source: BVI News