Beginning his statement with an announcement about work being done to correct the mould problem at the Central Administration Building, Mr. Fraser continued by outlining a progress report for the Sabbath Hill reservoir, road regulations, and infrastructural projects on sister islands.

In partnership with the Water and Sewerage Department, Mr. Fraser said his ministry would “remain committed to reducing water loss throughout the Virgin Islands.”

Officials from the WSD previously have stated that the territory loses almost half of its public water supply from leaks, illegal connections and unaccounted billing, a figure that could equate to about 1.4 million imperial gallons daily.

The Sabbath Hill Reservoir, which the minister called “a very essential part of the territory’s water distribution network,” reportedly was losing more than 50,000 imperial gallons of water per day.

“This is costing the government approximately $334 per day, or $121,910 per year,” Mr. Fraser said.

Last year, the minister launched a $45,000 project to correct a leak at the slab of the reservoir, which has also resulted in soil erosion at the site.

The project was contracted by Florida Aquastore and Utility Construction, Inc., and will include “placing a liquid membrane over the entire concrete floor and six inches up the wall structure of the reservoir,” Mr. Fraser said.

Work on the facility began behind schedule two weeks ago.

Repairs were supposed to begin in November, “but due to the unexpected late arrival of material, and being considerate of the holiday season, the work was postponed until January 2010,” the minister said.

On Monday, however, the WSD reported that the project had been completed.