The government says Antigua and Barbuda is on track to increase potable water production to 14 million gallons daily before the end of 2026 as it continues efforts to address longstanding water shortages across the country.

The target was announced Tuesday during the 2026 Throne Speech delivered by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams at the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

According to the speech, the administration has already significantly expanded water production since taking office in 2014.

“My Government has increased the APUA supply of potable water from 3.5 million gallons daily, in 2014 when it first assumed office; to 11 million gallons daily, with the addition of four more reverse osmosis plants,” Sir Rodney said.

The Governor-General added that the government intends to push production even higher in the coming months.

“Before the end of this calendar year, my Government will be providing 14 million gallons of potable water daily,” he said.

The speech described water supply as one of the most difficult challenges facing small island developing states, particularly amid drought conditions, climate change pressures and growing demand from households, tourism and agriculture.

“One of the most daunting tasks faced by the Government of any small island developing-State is the provision of potable water for its inhabitants,” Sir Rodney said.

The Throne Speech credited Public Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas with leading the government’s water expansion efforts and managing what it described as increasingly complex demands on the system.

While the government said production levels have improved, it acknowledged continuing problems with water delivery caused by ageing underground infrastructure.

“While the level of production of potable water has been satisfactory, the delivery of that water has proven problematic in several communities,” the Governor-General said.

The speech noted that old pipes buried beneath roads and streets across St. John’s and several villages must be replaced, a process that often results in damaged road surfaces and disruptions for motorists and residents.

“Residents and motorists who need potable water delivered to their homes and businesses decry the dusty or muddy, uneven or potholed street surfaces that result, when new pipes are being buried,” Sir Rodney said.

The Governor-General appealed for public patience as infrastructure upgrades continue.

“Every farmer knows, if you wish to plant crops, you must first plow the earth. My Government can only seek your patience while the Minister and his experts do their job,” he said.