On the first day of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Julio A. Rhymer, Sr. met with his division directors and managers for a full review of WAPA’s emergency response capabilities to any storm system that may affect the Virgin Islands, according to a release W.A.P.A. issued today.
“Wind storms such as tropical storms and hurricanes are the biggest threat to our electrical transmission and distribution systems, and as such today’s meeting provided the opportunity to review where we are in terms of equipment, inventory of spare parts and supplies, and overall operations at the two district power plants and the two electrical and water distribution systems,” Mr. Rhymer said Wednesday.
All components of the W.A.P.A.’s day-to-day operations reported out on meetings that were previously held regarding overall preparedness and internal communications. “After discussing the level of preparedness within the Authority, I am confident that WAPA is prepared to respond to the threat of inclement weather such as storm systems and most importantly, to stage a timely recovery should any facet of our facilities be impacted,” he said.
Mr. Rhymer received updates from divisions including: the two power plants, the district line departments, garage and warehouses, water distribution systems, internal audit, communications and safety.
“We will continue to plan and procure equipment as needed to maintain an adequate inventory and the governing board will consider, at its next meeting, our activating those standby contractors that will assist WAPA during the recovery and restoration of service should a storm system affect our islands,” he said.
Tags: hurricane season 2016, wapa
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