Premier Wheatley Announces Free Connection to New
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, has urged residents of the Seventh and Eighth Districts to sign up for a free connection to the new sewage system, marking a significant advancement in the East End/Long Look Sewerage Project in Tortola. This initiative aims to address longstanding infrastructure challenges and enhance public health and environmental conditions.
During a media site visit on September 15, 2025, to the Long Swamp Pump Station, Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Wheatley (R7), alongside the Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), and district representatives, emphasized the nearing completion of the East End/Long Look Sewerage Project in Tortola.
The visit highlighted a crucial development in resolving decades-long infrastructure challenges faced by residents of the Seventh and Eighth Districts. Premier Wheatley announced a pivotal initiative, urging residents to sign up for a 'free connection' to the newly established sewage system, a step that underscores the government's commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.
The Long Swamp Pump Station is engineered to efficiently transport wastewater from lower-lying regions to a designated processing site. The construction included the development of wet wells, an inspection chamber, and the procurement and installation of vital pumps and mechanical components, along with necessary electrical and fencing work.
Premier Wheatley highlighted the detrimental impact of unmanaged sewage on roads and public health, underscoring the urgency for residents to utilize the new system to prevent sewage runoff and accommodate the high-volume waste management needs of the densely populated districts. This initiative not only aims to enhance road conditions but also presents a sustainable solution to the long-standing public issue of overwhelmed septic tanks in many properties.
Premier Wheatley's appeal for community participation and compliance reflects a broader vision for improving living conditions and infrastructure resilience in the British Virgin Islands. He noted that the new sewage system represents a significant investment of money, time, and energy, and its success relies on residents' willingness to connect their homes to the system.
The Premier's announcement that the connection to the sewage system would be free of charge is expected to encourage widespread adoption among property owners. As the system nears full operational status, the Seventh and Eighth Districts stand on the cusp of a major environmental and public health improvement.
With this initiative, the government hopes to foster a sense of collective responsibility and pride in this significant development, promising a cleaner, more sustainable future for their residents.
Primary source: VINO