CABINET NOTES: Barnes Hill / Coolidge Sump Rehabilitation
Technical assessments at the Barnes Hill Coolidge Sump identified minor structural deterioration, including mortar render spalling and water intrusion. Immediate stabilization works have been completed, and corrective repairs are currently underway. Project completion is scheduled for February 20, 2026, subject to favorable site conditions, with ongoing monitoring to ensure long-term structural reliability.
Wink Eye and New Winthropes Water Storage Facilities
APUA is constructing two reinforced concrete storage tanks at Wink Eye and New Winthropes at an estimated cost of EC$2 million. These facilities will provide critical storage capacity and pressure stabilization for growing residential and commercial areas. The tanks will store water produced by the Seven Seas SWRO Plant at Barnacle Point, supporting communities including Hodges Bay, Cedar Valley, Crosbies, Blue Waters, and the V.C. Bird International Airport.
Upcoming Water Infrastructure Projects
APUA continues to advance several additional infrastructure initiatives, including:
• Installation of a Pump Station at Liberta Church of Christ
• Upgrades at Clarks Hill, Renfrew, Montrula, Olivers, and Law Pasture
• Continued improvements within St. John’s City
• Pipeline installation from the Grays Hill Reservoir to the Cooks Hill Tank
• Denfields Extension
• Pipeline installation from the Cooks Hill Roundabout to the Five Islands Roundabout
John Bradshaw told the Cabinet that APUA remains committed to strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s water infrastructure to support national development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life for all residents.
Exploring Trenchless Installation Technology
APUA is also evaluating innovative installation alternatives proposed by Trinweld, including the introduction of a national trenchless programme utilizing Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). This technology allows HDPE pipelines to be installed with minimal surface disruption, making it particularly suitable for Antigua’s limestone and volcanic rock terrain and narrow urban roadways.
The HDD method is projected to accelerate project delivery by approximately 50 percent per kilometre and reduce direct construction costs by 37 percent. The approach also offers estimated road restoration savings and long-term lifecycle savings between US$6 million and US$9 million. Additionally, the programme is expected to reduce non-revenue water losses by 15 to 20 percent, potentially recovering over US$1.2 million annually. Trinweld also proposes the establishment of a Trenchless Technology Unit to support local workforce training and technology transfer.