City East MP Melford Nicholas has announced a series of major improvements to Antigua and Barbuda’s water infrastructure, including the introduction of an automated water distribution system and new desalination capacity.
Speaking at an Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) political rally over the weekend, Mr Nicholas said that the government is modernising the operations of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) in ways not seen in the company’s 52-year history.
“I want that entire system automated,” he told supporters, adding that the aim is to manage water movement across the island from a central location, rather than relying on field technicians during the night. “We are modernising the infrastructure for the APUA water department like it has never happened before.”
The minister reported that an additional 1.2 million gallons of potable water will be made available daily from the Northtown Water Management Group in the coming days, with another 2 million gallons expected from a containerised plant at Barnacle Point currently under development.
He added that the Fries facility is also set to receive a further 360,000 gallons daily as part of a Japanese grant, bringing the total anticipated increase in water output to over 3.5 million gallons per day.
Mr Nicholas said efforts to increase water production from ground sources are also underway. New wells have been drilled and existing ones refurbished in the Bendals Valley, resulting in a boost of 500,000 gallons of groundwater for public supply.
“This government is harvesting water from every available source,” he said.
The MP also noted that the country’s main dam remains at a low level due to ongoing dry conditions, and called on the public to be patient as additional projects come online.
Despite facing longstanding complaints about water shortages, Mr Nicholas said the government has kept its promise to deliver improvements. “I said it was going to happen, and it has happened,” he declared.
The announcement comes amid continued criticism from opposition figures and members of the public over inconsistent water supply, particularly in the eastern communities. However, Mr Nicholas said the government remains committed to solving the issue and ensuring that all residents eventually see improvements.
“This is what you expect from us, and this is what we intend to continue delivering,” he said.
