United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Jamale Pringle has labelled Antigua and Barbuda's persistent water supply problems an "indignity," pledging immediate relief measures should his party win the next general election.
According to Antigua News Room, Pringle described households still grappling with inconsistent water supply — families waking in the early morning hours to collect water, parents unable to bathe children before school, and elderly residents left waiting on deliveries. "This is not inconvenience. This is indignity," he said.
Pringle outlined a series of proposed remedies, including the removal of taxes on water tanks, pumps and pressure systems. He also detailed plans to expand pipelines, improve maintenance of reverse osmosis plants, and reactivate community storage tanks. His stated goal is to deliver reliable, 24-hour water access across Antigua and Barbuda.
The current government has previously invested millions of dollars in water supply improvements. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has acknowledged that challenges remain, though the authority has noted that water availability has improved in recent years compared to past shortages.
Separately, APUA has introduced a Utility Amnesty Programme targeting customers whose electricity, water or telephone services have been disconnected for more than 180 days. The programme follows a Cabinet decision in April 2026 and allows eligible customers — those disconnected on or before 30 September 2025 — to apply to have their services restored and accounts regularised.
