USVI largely avoids damaging effects of Tropical Storm Ernesto – but can’t escape “hurricane” of WAPA’s inefficiencies afterwards.
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Some 50 hours after a weak Tropical Storm Ernesto bypassed the U.S. Virgin Islands, thousands of Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority customers remained without electricity or water service.
After the storm had passed and all the rain stopped, WAPA said it diligently sprang into action — tidying up debris at the territory’s roadsides.
“STT/STJ- Following TS Ernesto, our teams are working to restore power, w/ DPW helping clear debris and large trees,” WAPA said. “Note there are pocket outages still being addressed. As of 8:30am on 8.15.24, here is the current status of feeder restorations:”
WAPA offered a similar excuse for St. Croix.
“STX – Following TS Ernesto, our teams are working to restore power, w/ DPW to clear debris and large trees,” WAPA said. “Note, there are pocket outages still being addressed. As of 8:30am on 8.15.24, this is the current status of feeder restorations.”
Governor Albert Bryan’s former chief of staff Karl Knight is now the CEO of WAPA.