Exploratory works on Nevis which involved drilling for renewable energy and water, have progressed satisfactorily. Word came from Junior Minister with responsibility for Works Public Utilities, Natural Resources and the Environment in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Carlisle Powell in a statement during a sitting of the Nevis Island Assembly on April 15, 2008.

?I am happy to report that drilling for water continues. Dr. Hoag has reported in writing that his company Bedrock Exploration and Development Technologies (BEAD) has found and are ready to proceed with pipe and pump works to supply NIA with 600,000 gallons of new water per day. Most of this new water will come from a well at Maddens,? the Junior Minister
disclosed.

Mr. Powell explained he engaged the staff of the Nevis Water Department to look at a feasibility of sending some of the ?new water? to Gingerland to ensure that there were no interruptions on any part of the island.

Notwithstanding, he said deep drilling continued at Maddens but productive wells had been completed at Barnes Ghaut and Cotton Ground.

With regard to the explorations in geothermal energy, Minister Powell said according to the last report he had received from West Indies Power Ltd. they had drilled to a depth of 1935feet and had recorded temperature of 132.3 degrees Celsius or 270 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Minister explained that the Company had advised the NIA that they required temperatures of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit to produce power. However, 24 hour drilling was ongoing at approximately 10 degrees Celsius per 100 feet.

He further explained that representatives from The Industrial Company (TIC) the largest contractors of building geothermal plants, had been seeking to commence construction on Nevis in August or September 2008.

Meantime, in relation to the production of wind energy, Mr. Powell said extensive work had been done in the area of legislation.

?Our [NIA] experts in law lawyer [John] Armstrong and engineer Kelvin De Cuba have requested the developer to supply some pertinent information which would allow them to complete a draft PPA and make a recommendation to government on this project. When we get over this hurdle we should be able to move this project forward.

?We [NIA] are working hard at renewable energy supply because with renewable energy, there is no fuel surcharge and we on this side see it as our duty to make every effort to reduce the cost of living,? he said.

During his statement, the Minister also reported on the road construction project in progress in Stoney Grove, Ramsbury, Government Road and Hamilton.

?Surrey Paving [Aggregate Ltd] is now busy in the Charlestown area as they make improvements in Hamilton, Ramsbury, Stoney Grove and Government Road. These roads will significantly improve the access afforded to our people as we continue to fulfill the People?s Agenda for a better life for all,? he said.

The Minister also disclosed that work would commence on the roads in Chicken Stone, Clay Ghaut, Cox to Pancho shortly and equipment had already been moved on site while some minor details were being sorted out with the contractors.