Hannah Hill Reservoir Restoration Completed as Refilling
Rehabilitation works on the Hannah Hill Reservoir have concluded, paving the way for refilling to begin this week. The milestone comes 15 months after the Government designated water infrastructure as a national critical priority, marking the first of five territorial reservoirs undergoing complete overhauls.
Rehabilitation works on the Hannah Hill Reservoir have reached completion, paving the way for the critical water facility to begin refilling this week, according to Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. The milestone comes approximately 15 months after the Government formally declared water infrastructure as a national critical priority across the Territory.
Contractors from Florida Aqua Store commenced the extensive restoration project on August 6, carrying out a comprehensive structural overhaul. The scope of work involved the complete removal and replacement of the reservoir floor panels, replacement of all floor and wall bolts, thorough sanitisation, and complete resealing of both the interior and exterior of the structure.
Minister Rymer, who met with Florida Aqua Store representatives on Thursday for project updates, confirmed that physical rehabilitation is finished and final preparations are underway before returning the reservoir to service. A key enhancement to the facility is the installation of a modern water-level gauge and monitoring system.
Minister Rymer explained that the new system will allow operators to observe water levels directly from outside the reservoir and accurately determine the exact volume of stored water at any given time, significantly improving operational oversight and network management. Minister Rymer commended the contractors and technical personnel for their dedicated efforts over the multi-week project.
He also addressed the water service disruptions experienced across neighbouring communities during the maintenance period, noting that residents living in higher-elevation areas should expect a gradual restoration of consistent supply as the reservoir refills and returns to active distribution.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mrs. Smith-Maduro, highlighted that the reservoir rehabilitation programme represents a critical long-term investment in community resilience. She emphasised that expanding storage capacity and improving operational efficiency will directly support more reliable service delivery to residents across the Virgin Islands.
The Hannah Hill facility is the first of five reservoirs scheduled for rehabilitation across the Territory. With works at Hannah Hill concluded, technical crews are set to transition next to the Sabbath Hill Reservoir, with future restoration also planned for the Minton Hill facility on Virgin Gorda.
These storage enhancements complement broader ongoing upgrades to the Territory's water distribution grid. Key improvements already completed or underway include the replacement of main transmission lines with durable 12-inch HDPE piping, as well as the ongoing installation of four pressure-reducing valve chambers along the Ridge Road corridor between Diamond Estate and Chalwell Estate.
Primary source: BVI Government