Long Swamp Pump Station Commissioned, System Enters
The Government of the Virgin Islands formally commissioned the East End–Long Look (Long Swamp) Sewerage Pump Station on February 17, marking a major step toward delivering a long‑awaited sewerage system for East End and Long Look residents (Government of the Virgin Islands; BVI News). Officials say the pump station ties together three of four key project pillars, testing has confirmed flows to the Paraquita Bay treatment plant, and the Government will cover household connection costs for residents who register before 31 December 2026 (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Natalio Wheatley formally commissioned the East End–Long Look (Long Swamp) Sewerage Pump Station at Long Swamp on February 17, calling the event a significant milestone for residents of the Seventh and Eighth Districts (Government of the Virgin Islands; BVI News). “Today’s commissioning is proof that we are keeping that promise,” Premier Wheatley said, adding that a reliable sewerage network is “not just a piece of infrastructure – it is an investment in public health, in dignity, and in the quality of life of our people” (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Communications and Works Minister Honourable Kye Rymer described the commissioning as the culmination of more than 50 years of planning, setbacks and political delays. “Only the people of East End and Long Look were left to wonder if anyone in government actually remembered them. But that cycle ends today,” he said, noting that plans had been drawn up for decades while projects and priorities shifted (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Minister Rymer also set out practical benefits and next steps for residents: “It means you can flush with confidence. It means the sewage from your home will no longer end up in the ghuts. It will not flow down the streets for your children and elderly to walk through.” He urged homeowners to connect to the system and announced that the Government will cover household connection costs for residents who register with the Water and Sewerage Department before 31 December 2026 (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Officials said the commissioning ties together three of four key project pillars: the Long Swamp collection hub, the transmission mains, and the repaired Paraquita Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, and begins the commissioning and testing phase ahead of full system operation (Government of the Virgin Islands).
The Long Swamp pump station will collect and convey wastewater from Fat Hogs Bay, Greenland, Little Dix Hill, Long Look and surrounding communities for treatment, reducing reliance on ageing septic systems and lowering the risk of contamination to coastal and freshwater areas (BVI News; Government of the Virgin Islands).
The Paraquita Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant has been repaired and upgraded to tertiary, international treatment standards and is soon to be officially commissioned, the Government said. Recent tests confirmed sewage can be pumped from Long Swamp to Paraquita Bay, and the system is ready to accept flows pending final testing and household connections (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Patrick Mitchell, manager of Biosafe Treatment and Septic Solutions, told the ceremony that testing had been completed and the system was functioning. He thanked the Government for selecting his company and said he looks forward to a follow-on project from Long Swamp to Parham Town (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Officials thanked residents for their patience and reminded the community that while commissioning is cause for celebration, construction and system roll-out will continue. The remaining critical mains segment from Parham Town to Long Swamp will commence construction soon to complete the network (Government of the Virgin Islands; BVI News).
The full commissioning ceremony can be viewed on the Government’s Facebook page, BVIGovernment, and residents with questions are encouraged to register with the Water and Sewerage Department to take advantage of the Government’s offer to cover connection costs through the end of 2026 (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Primary source: BVI News