Legislation to address concerns related to improving utility service were approved by the 33rd Legislature’s Committee on Rules & Judiciary on Tuesday. Senator Kenneth L. Gittens is one of the primary sponsors of three bills, to create a ratepayer’s bill of rights, ensure greater expertise of those serving on the Public Service Commission and to establish new oversight of the V.I. Water & Power Authority Board and WAPA’s overall operations. "WAPA’s inefficiency is endangering our economy as a whole,” Senator Gittens said. “We have had poor decision making at every turn and ongoing instances of waste, fraud, abuse, and conflicts of interest.” The measures will be sent to the full body for final consideration.
Lawrence J. Kupfer, the Executive Director/CEO of the Water and Power Authority, opposed the proposed bill to create an oversight committee.
Trenching work is continuing on the Christiansted Bypass starting today. The work will continue until the trench is completed, which should take approximately three days, if the weather conditions permit it.