APUA halts subsea cable works after materials set on fire

Preparatory works for Antigua and Barbuda’s subsea cable project at Morris Bay have been suspended after materials at the site were deliberately set on fire, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has confirmed.

Telecoms crews returned to the Old Road location on Friday, 12 December, to find conduits and other installed equipment destroyed. Early estimates place the damage in the thousands of dollars.

APUA condemned the incident, warning that escalating tensions in the area were putting workers and residents at risk.

The fire comes after a week of disruptions. On Wednesday, 10 December, APUA staff were present during an unrelated confrontation between residents and the Development Control Authority. Crews attempted to resume work the following day but withdrew again as tensions rose, prompting a full suspension.

The civil works include trenching, installing conduits, and building a beach manhole and equipment shelter to support the landing of a new subsea cable. Road cutting at Morris Bay has caused a temporary traffic diversion, which APUA says has been prolonged by repeated interruptions. The Authority apologised for the inconvenience and said it hopes to resume work once the site is secure.

APUA noted that it held a town hall meeting with Old Road residents on 14 October, where feedback on the project was largely positive.

Despite the setback, the Authority said it remains committed to community engagement and urged calm as it works to restore the site. The subsea cable, considered a major investment to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and economy, is expected to be operational in 2027.

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