Pringle calls water crisis an “indignity” and promises relief measures

United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Jamale Pringle has described Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing water challenges as an “indignity” and has promised immediate relief measures if his party forms the next government.

Pringle said many households were still facing inconsistent water supply, forcing families to wake in the early hours to collect water, with some parents unable to bathe children before school and elderly residents left waiting for deliveries. “This is not inconvenience. This is indignity,” he said.

He pledged to remove taxes on water tanks, pumps and pressure systems, and outlined plans to expand pipelines, improve maintenance of reverse osmosis plants, and reactivate community storage tanks. Pringle said the aim was to achieve reliable, 24-hour water access across Antigua and Barbuda.

The government has previously invested millions of dollars in efforts to improve water supply, although authorities acknowledge ongoing challenges. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has also said water availability has improved in recent years compared with past shortages.

Meanwhile, APUA has introduced a Utility Amnesty Programme for customers whose electricity, water or telephone services have been disconnected for more than 180 days. The initiative follows a Cabinet decision in April 2026 and allows eligible customers—those disconnected on or before 30 September 2025—to apply to have services restored and accounts regularised.

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