THE chief executive of the Water and Sewerage Authority is to retire at Easter.

John Smith, who has been the chief executive since 2006, will be replaced by Peter Winstanley, the current director of operations.

Mr Smith has been with the authority for almost 13 years and has been involved with the delivery of the authority's strategic business plan which has provided modern water treatment facilities at Douglas and Sulby, together with mains and reservoirs, which supply the whole Island.

He said: "It must be every engineer's dream to be involved with schemes that make a real difference to people and I have been lucky enough to see the water strategy well on its way to completion and to be part of the team developing the regional sewage treatment strategy.

"The services that the authority provides are essential in a modern society and it has been a privilege to work on their delivery."

Meanwhile Mr Winstanley is looking forward to several very busy years in charge of the authority.

He said: "As well as ensuring that the water strategic business plan continues to be implemented we also have the first phase of the regional sewage treatment strategy to deliver and the second phase to plan."

Chairman of the authority Tim Crookall MHK paid tribute to John Smith's executive leadership.

He said: "John has provided the authority with dedicated support and strong strategic guidance throughout his period as chief executive, in particular in formulating the regional sewage treatment strategy.

"Thanks to his efforts, the authority is in an excellent position financially and it can therefore look forward to sustained investment in the Island's water and sewerage infrastructure.

"On behalf of the board, I thank John for his dedicated commitment over the years and wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement."