By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Water and Sewerage Corporation has fired back at assertions by Long Island's MP that his constituents lost water supply because of troubles at the island's reverse osmosis plant.

The state-owned water utility provider, in a statement, responded to concerns raised by Adrian Gibson by stating that “at no point was Long Island entirely without water”. It confirmed, though, that recent challenges resulted from a mechanical fault at the reverse osmosis plant, but said this only affected two areas.

“Let us be clear; at no point was Long Island entirely without water. The recent challenges were localised and intermittent, affecting two specific areas, the Simms water supply system, which serves communities from Millerton to Whymms, and portions of the Central Long Island water supply system, which spans from Thompson Bay to Lochabar and is supplied via Deadman’s Cay,” the Corporation said.

“The disruption was due to a mechanical fault at the reverse osmosis plant, and our teams have been actively addressing the situation. Temporary measures were swiftly put in place to ensure service continuity while we await the arrival of replacement parts. The affected communities continued to receive water intermittently during this period, and [service] was fully restored as of Wednesday, June 11.”

Speaking in Parliament last Thursday, Mr Gibson said Long Island has been having water issues for days and questioned when the issue would be resolved.

“We've been having water issues on Long Island for the past few days. People have been…water been off for days, for days. Water has been off for days, some issue with the plant. We want to know what's the state of affairs with the part for the plant,” said Mr Gibson.

During his contribution he said Long Island has been neglected under the Davis administration, citing deteriorating infrastructure, damaged roads, delayed clinic renovations and an ambulance that has become a nesting place for wasps due to inactivity.

The Water & Sewerage Corporation, however, refuted claims of neglect, branding them as “false” and “disrespectful". It rebuked Mr Gibson for the “politicisation” of technical problems.

The Corporation said it is upgrading water systems on all Family Islands, including Long Island, and will continue to make investments that will improve reliability and expand access to water services.

“What is most disappointing is the politicisation of a technical issue. The Corporation has made, and continues to make, strategic investments in Long Island and throughout the Family Islands. Work is ongoing to upgrade water systems, improve reliability and expand access,” said the statement.

“The suggestion that Long Island is being neglected is not only false but disrespectful to the hardworking staff on the ground responding to these challenges every day. We welcome constructive criticism, but we will not allow misinformation to go unchallenged. The Water and Sewerage Corporation remains committed to transparency, accountability and to the people of Long Island, without political gamesmanship.”