Governor General Sir Rodney Williams is urging the public to remain patient as the government continues major water infrastructure upgrades across Antigua and Barbuda, warning that roadworks and service disruptions are unavoidable while ageing underground pipes are replaced.
Delivering the Speech from the Throne on Tuesday, Sir Rodney said the country’s water challenges have been intensified by drought conditions, climate change and growing demand from homes, businesses and the tourism sector.
“Government can only request your patience while the minister and his experts do their job,” Sir Rodney said as he defended the ongoing works being carried out by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).
He described potable water supply as “one of the most daunting tasks” facing any small island developing state and said the burden has become even greater due to persistent drought and the effects of global climate change.
Sir Rodney also praised Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas, describing him as an experienced manager capable of handling the difficult portfolio.
The Governor General said the government has significantly increased national water production over the past decade.
“My government has increased the APUA supply from 3.5 million gallons daily in 2013… to 11 million gallons daily,” he said.
He added that additional expansion projects are expected to further increase water production before the end of the year.
Despite the higher production levels, Sir Rodney acknowledged that water delivery remains problematic in several communities because many of the country’s ageing underground pipes leak or burst when pressure is increased.
“Ageing pipes that easily split, leak and then break when pressure is increased in them must be replaced,” he said.
He noted that replacing those pipes often requires roads in St John’s and villages to be dug up, resulting in traffic disruptions and interruptions to utility services.
“To replace the old pipes translates into destroying the roadways above them,” Sir Rodney said.