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By Hella May
In a glaring revelation, the Minister for Public Utilities, MELFORD NICHOLAS, has exposed the disturbing inadequacy of the government’s ability to provide a consistent and reliable water supply in ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, even when the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) boasts daily water production exceeding 7 million gallons.
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The Minister’s report sheds light on a pressing issue that has plagued citizens and industries for far too long, raising serious concerns about the government’s competence in addressing this basic necessity.
The most alarming aspect of the Minister’s report is the admission that despite APUA’s claims of high daily water production, the actual supply falls woefully short of meeting the surging demands of the population and critical sectors like tourism.
It is mind-boggling that a country with abundant access to seawater still faces recurring water shortages. The report highlights a concerning lack of foresight and planning in managing a vital resource.
One stark indicator of the government’s failure in water supply management is the increasing trend of hotels taking matters into their own hands by investing in Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants.
It is baffling that a significant portion of the tourism industry, the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, has been forced to independently secure its water supply, with at least one hotel guzzling over 100,000 gallons daily. This revelation demonstrates a severe mismatch between the government’s promises and its actions.
To add insult to injury, the government’s response has been reactive rather than proactive. The announcement of APUA’s acquisition of ultra-filtration equipment, while commendable, is long overdue.
The fact that this technology, which could have enhanced the efficiency of water treatment facilities and prolonged the lifespan of essential equipment, was only recently acquired indicates a lack of strategic planning and investment in critical infrastructure.
Moreover, the replacement of rusting equipment at the Ffryes plant, as mentioned in the report, raises questions about the government’s neglect of infrastructure maintenance. The previous state of disrepair not only jeopardized the quality of water supplied but also posed environmental risks.
While the government acknowledges the severe drought conditions affecting the Caribbean, its response has been inadequate given the scale of the crisis.
The commitment of over $100 million dollars to address this challenge is a step in the right direction but comes across as a belated and insufficient measure, considering the prolonged nature of the issue.
In conclusion, the Minister’s report paints a disheartening picture of the government’s failure to ensure a consistent and reliable water supply, despite ample production capacity.
The country deserves more than just lip service and sporadic investments; it requires a well-thought-out, proactive, and comprehensive approach to water management.
The government’s inability to deliver on this basic need is not only a failure of governance but a betrayal of the trust placed in it by the people of ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA.
Urgent and decisive action is needed to rectify this dire situation and provide the citizens with the essential resource they rightfully deserve.
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