In response to mounting constituent complaints, Antigua’s Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas has committed to restoring continuous water access to eastern communities, including St. Philip’s North, by Saturday evening. The pledge came during a Thursday town hall meeting where Nicholas acknowledged the justified frustrations of residents who have endured weeks without reliable running water.
Minister Nicholas revealed the commitment received formal Cabinet approval earlier that day following strategic resource reallocation to address distribution challenges. While national water production has tripled according to the minister, geographical obstacles continue to hinder efficient water movement to eastern districts due to persistent infrastructure limitations.
The urgency of the situation was emphasized by Nicholas’s disclosure of receiving what he characterized as “an angry” call from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, highlighting the issue’s elevated priority within the administration. As an immediate solution, Cabinet has authorized funding for an automated water switching system to replace manual valve operations at key locations including Cock Pond and Church Pond.
This technological upgrade will enable the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to manage water redistribution more effectively and maintain consistent supply levels. Nicholas assured residents that once implemented, water would be available on demand regardless of time—whether for early morning showers or evening laundry needs.
The minister personally guaranteed accountability, providing his direct contact information and encouraging community members to report any persistent issues after Saturday’s deadline. Nicholas concluded by affirming that resolving the eastern communities’ water challenges has become the government’s foremost priority as part of broader efforts to stabilize island-wide water distribution.