Antigua and Barbuda has successfully resolved its water production deficit, yet significant distribution challenges persist, leaving numerous communities without reliable access. Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas confirmed the nation now possesses adequate production capacity to meet national demand, attributing ongoing supply interruptions to an aging and inefficient transmission network. The remarks were delivered during the commissioning ceremony of the new reverse osmosis plant at Barnacle Point.
The recently activated Barnacle Point facility contributes an additional two million imperial gallons per day to the national supply. This development follows the earlier launch of a one-million-gallon-per-day plant at Fryes Beach. These expansions are the result of a collaborative partnership between the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the Seven Seas Water Group, substantially boosting the country’s overall production capabilities.
Minister Nicholas delineated a clear distinction between the solved issue of production and the persistent problem of distribution. He openly acknowledged public frustration, noting that residents experiencing outages are typically unconcerned with technical explanations. This frustration places considerable political and social pressure on utility providers during service interruptions.
The government’s strategy is now squarely focused on the next critical phase: modernizing the transmission and distribution infrastructure. This comprehensive plan includes the large-scale replacement of decades-old pipelines and the integration of automation systems to enhance operational efficiency and response times. APUA Chief Executive Officer John Bradshaw has previously emphasized that these upgrades are indispensable for equitable water distribution across the island, even as production records are being surpassed.
Nicholas characterized the achievement in production as the completion of ‘the first leg of the relay.’ The remaining and more complex challenge involves ensuring that the increased water volume consistently reaches every household through a robust and modernized delivery network, while simultaneously managing public expectations throughout this transitional period.