Local News

Investments into Antigua and Barbuda’s water infrastructure to continue into 2025

10 December 2024
This content originally appeared on Antigua News Room.
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APUA PHOTO/work is currently ongoing at the Ffryes Beach Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda is taking decisive action to address water supply challenges, with nearly $40 million allocated to water production and infrastructure improvements over the next nine months. Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlighted these critical investments during his 2025 Budget presentation, emphasizing the importance of reliable access to water for households and businesses.

“Our government has invested substantially in water production to meet the growing demands of our population and ensure a consistent and reliable supply across the country,” Browne stated. The government plans to roll out several reverse osmosis (RO) plants and upgrade storage and distribution systems, marking a significant step toward resolving longstanding water issues.

Among the key projects is the commissioning of the Seven Seas Water Group RO Plant at Ffryes Beach, scheduled to be operational by January 2025. This facility, with a capacity to produce one million gallons of water per day, will serve the southern sector of the island, from Old Road to Jennings. “This plant will be a game-changer for the southern communities that have faced water shortages for years,” Browne said.

Another major project is the NS Management RO Plant at Crabbs, which will supply up to 1.5 million gallons of water daily starting in March 2025. This will supplement the existing Crabbs facility, which currently has a capacity of four million gallons per day. Additionally, the government is investing in the Seven Seas RO Plant at Barnacle Point, a facility designed to produce two million gallons per day to serve northern communities such as Hodges Bay, Crosbies, and Paradise View. The plant is expected to be completed by September 2025 at a cost of $4 million.

In a significant move to address water demand in the eastern and central regions of the island, a second RO Plant will be installed at Crabbs with a production capacity of 3.2 million gallons per day. This project, which will serve areas like Willikies, Freetown, and All Saints, is also slated for completion by September 2025 and will cost $10 million.

To complement these production upgrades, the government is constructing four new water storage tanks at an estimated cost of $5 million. Two of the tanks will be located in the southern part of the island, with the other two serving the north. Combined, these tanks will provide an additional storage capacity of three million gallons, enhancing the island’s ability to manage water supply efficiently.

The water distribution network will also undergo significant improvements, with old metal and PVC pipes being replaced with durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. Areas targeted for these upgrades include South St. John’s, Point, Michael’s Village, and New Field, with an estimated budget of $10 million.

“Between January and September 2025, we will enhance water production capacity by 7.7 million gallons per day, thereby substantially addressing the water challenges that have impacted households and businesses,” Browne assured.

These investments in water infrastructure reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen and business has access to a stable and reliable water supply. Browne underscored the economic and social significance of this initiative, noting that a dependable water system is essential for sustainable development and improved quality of life.

The government’s water strategy aligns with its broader focus on enhancing national infrastructure to support growth and resilience. “As we address the challenges of water production and delivery, we are also building a foundation for long-term prosperity and sustainability,” Browne said.

With these projects underway, Antigua and Barbuda is poised to make significant progress in resolving its water issues, a move that will benefit residents, businesses, and key sectors such as tourism and agriculture.

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