Senator Michael Joseph Commits to Long-Awaited Drainage Fix in Rural West

Senator Michael Joseph Commits to Long-Awaited Drainage Fix in Rural West

Senator Michael Joseph has pledged to deliver a permanent solution to the persistent flooding at Big Gutter in St. John’s Rural West, marking a significant step toward resolving a problem that has plagued the area for more than three decades.

Speaking at an Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) rally on Friday night, Joseph revealed that an engineering study had already been commissioned to assess the situation, with a follow-up expected in July to finalise a sustainable plan.

“For 30 years, Big Gutter has flooded—and for 30 years, there has been no real solution,” he told the crowd. “That’s changing now. We’ve done the first study, and in July, the engineers will return to complete a comprehensive assessment that will lead to long-term results.”

Joseph, who serves as caretaker for St. John’s Rural West and Minister of State, said the drainage upgrade was part of a broader plan to improve water management and infrastructure across the constituency.

“We’re not just talking about Big Gutter. We’re reviewing every drain in Rural West that can no longer handle the volume of water,” he said. “We’re developing a plan to rebuild and modernise the entire system.”

He criticised previous opposition representation for failing to act despite the long-standing nature of the issue, arguing that residents had been given excuses instead of solutions.

“We’re not here to say we can’t act because we’re not in government,” Joseph said. “We’re here to deliver, and we’re asking the people to hold us accountable.”

The announcement formed part of a wider appeal for support as the ABLP gears up for the next general election. Joseph, who entered frontline politics after two decades of volunteer work with the Red Cross, framed his candidacy as a commitment to tangible, people-centred progress.

“The solutions are coming,” he said. “And this time, we’re not waiting years—we’re acting now.”

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