Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced significant interventions to address the water supply issues in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking on recent developments, Browne highlighted a deal with a US-based firm operating in Trinidad and Tobago, which will provide an additional 3 million gallons of water.
By September, the first million gallons are expected to be available at the Friars Hill facility, with the remaining 2 million gallons scheduled for the first quarter of next year.
Furthermore, a plant operated by Rob Barrett at Crabs will add another million gallons of capacity within a few months.
To expedite the process, Browne suggested installing two new engines at Crabs, given the existing piping infrastructure, rather than waiting another year to build out the necessary facilities at Bethesda.
Additionally, the government is negotiating with a firm experienced in Barbuda to construct a water plant that will supply the University of Five Islands and the surrounding community, adding approximately 2 million more gallons to the supply.
Browne emphasized the progress made in Barbuda, where water capacity has been doubled, ensuring a 24/7 supply, a significant improvement from the previous intermittent service.
He assured that efforts to enhance water distribution are ongoing, with a goal of fully resolving the water issue within the next 12 months, aiming for an excess capacity to prevent any future shortages.
The Prime Minister also praised the improved distribution efforts by the management at the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), which has alleviated the previous situation where some communities lacked water for weeks.
Browne attributed these improvements to better management and reiterated his commitment to ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply for all residents.
Still, residents remain skeptical citing Prime Minister Browne’s promise of water when he came into office in 2014.
