APUA Must Improve, Warns PM Browne

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has addressed growing public concerns about utility services in Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on high water and electricity bills, service inefficiencies, and allegations of political interference within the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).

Browne acknowledged the challenges posed by APUA’s operations, describing the agency’s performance as a significant threat to his administration.

“The greatest threat to my administration is not the opposition—it is APUA, particularly the Water Division,” he stated.

The Prime Minister shared specific examples of service failures, including delays in resolving water leaks and ensuring consistent water supply during critical periods.

“During the St Mary’s South by-election, there was no water in some areas despite clear directives to prioritize the plant there,” he recalled, adding that such lapses undermine public trust and the government’s development goals.

Public complaints about high utility bills, particularly for water and electricity, have been a recurring issue. Browne noted unexplained spikes in bills, attributing some of the problems to inefficiencies and potential malfunctions within APUA’s system. He stressed the need for leadership to take personal responsibility for resolving these issues. “If management cannot meet the necessary standards, they should be replaced,” he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted that while APUA provides critical services, its response to water leaks and service disruptions has been slow and inadequate. “We have a chat group to monitor leaks and issues, but sometimes the response takes days. If they’re too tired and can’t get the job done, they need to move out of the way,” Browne declared.

Addressing concerns about political interference within APUA, Browne did not rule out the possibility of deliberate sabotage. “It’s not inconceivable that some elements within APUA may be weaponizing the system against the government,” he remarked, though he stressed that further investigation is needed to substantiate such claims.

Browne also pointed to the timing of service disruptions, particularly during election periods, as suspicious.

“Every time there’s an electoral contest, there’s a major service problem. It raises questions,” he said, urging vigilance to ensure APUA operates in the public’s best interest.

The Prime Minister criticized the agency’s focus on bureaucratic processes, such as key performance indicators (KPIs) and strategies, which he argued fail to translate into practical solutions. “People need water in their pipes—KPIs and strategies mean nothing if basic services aren’t delivered,” he stated.

Browne praised proactive measures by certain individuals within APUA, such as General Manager Brad Martin, who has personally addressed service issues. He called for more hands-on leadership and modernized operations to improve efficiency and meet customer expectations.

Despite these challenges, Browne reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving utility services and restoring public confidence in APUA. He expressed optimism about future reforms, including exploring the potential for bringing in experts to manage the Water Division if necessary. “We cannot allow APUA to become the Achilles’ heel of this administration. It’s time to ensure proper management and accountability,” he said.

The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens to take their health and well-being seriously, noting that clean water and reliable services are essential to improving quality of life. He called on APUA’s leadership to prioritize solutions that directly address the needs of the people.

Browne’s remarks underline the urgency of addressing longstanding issues at APUA to ensure it fulfills its role in supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s development.

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