A water outlet for truckers serving the East End represents “a common-sense investment that responds directly to an operational need”, the Minister of Public Works and Environment said today.

Jaché Adams added that the facility, which opened on Monday, was also expected to reduce the impact of heavy vehicles on island roads.

The water truckers’ outlet at Carter’s Bay Road, Southside, offers a wholesale water access point for providers serving St David’s, St George’s and the wider East End.

It became operational at 9am yesterday and will operate 24 hours a day.

The Government said that the facility marked a significant investment between the ministry and the Bermuda Land Management Corporation to improve the delivery of water services ahead of the summer and dry season.

Two water trucks can use the outlet at any time and it is expected to dispense up to 20,000 imperial gallons (about 91,000 litres) a day.

The facility uses a key filling, or fob, system, which will provide access for all registered truckers.

It will reduce the need for water truckers based in the St George’s area to travel to the Government Quarry in Hamilton Parish to buy wholesale water before returning to serve their customers in the East End, the Government said.

Mr Adams added: “This is a common-sense investment that responds directly to an operational need.

“Truckers serving St David’s and St George’s will now have a closer and more convenient point to access water, which should help them serve their customers more efficiently, particularly as Bermuda approaches the hotter and drier months.”

The outlet is expected to reduce demand on the central area water network, allowing a higher volume of water to remain available for other areas.

Mr Adams said: “This outlet should also help ease some of the vehicular load on the roads.

“It is a logical step that supports better service, better use of the water network and more efficient movement of trucks across the island.”

He added: “The ministry continues to look at practical ways to improve public infrastructure and service delivery.

“This new outlet is a good example of that work. It is not complicated, but it makes sense and it should make a real difference for the truckers and customers who depend on timely water delivery.”

The ministry thanked the BLMC for its support.