Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas says the government is not ignoring the replacement of aging water pipelines, but must first increase water production to address immediate shortages being experienced by residents.

Speaking on Pointe FM’s Taking Stock programme, Nicholas explained that much of the country’s water infrastructure consists of cast-iron pipes that are more than 50 years old and have suffered extensive corrosion over time.

He said efforts to increase potable water production place additional pressure on the aging network, often exposing weaknesses in the pipes and contributing to issues such as discoloured water and leakage.

Nicholas noted that pipe replacement is necessary but described the scale of the undertaking as significant, pointing out that the network spans hundreds of miles across the country.

He said Antigua and Barbuda has secured external grant funding to replace up to US$60 million worth of pipelines, but emphasized that the work must be carried out in phases due to the size of the system and the complexity involved.

The minister indicated that while pipeline replacement is underway in critical areas, production improvements cannot be delayed, as residents require relief from ongoing water shortages even as long-term infrastructure upgrades continue.

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Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas discusses water production and pipeline replacement during the Taking Stock programme on Pointe FM.