{"id":219505,"date":"2024-12-19T01:23:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T05:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=219505"},"modified":"2024-12-18T18:25:51","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T22:25:51","slug":"newton-defends-governments-response-to-water-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/newton-defends-governments-response-to-water-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Newton Defends Government\u2019s Response to Water Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Newton Defends Government\u2019s Response to Water Crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Senator Lamin Newton has defended the government\u2019s handling of the country\u2019s water challenges, citing significant investments and progress in addressing the issue. Speaking in the Senate during the 2025 budget debate, Senator Newton acknowledged ongoing problems, including leaks and pressure issues, but highlighted efforts to improve infrastructure.<\/p>

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\u201cThe situation isn\u2019t perfect, but we\u2019ve made bold moves to fix what we inherited,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve spent over $150 million US dollars on water infrastructure, including new and upgraded desalination plants at Barnacle Point, Crabbs, and Fort James.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He criticised the opposition\u2019s approach to the issue, accusing them of failing to present a credible plan. \u201cThe leader of the opposition speaks about the water situation without offering any comprehensive solutions,\u201d Senator Newton said. \u201cLeadership requires more than just criticism.\u201d<\/p>

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Newton pointed to data from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to demonstrate progress. \u201cAPUA has recorded 939 new water installations this year,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s an indication of growth in housing and economic activity.\u201d<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The senator also addressed ongoing losses due to leaks. \u201cApproximately 40% of the water produced daily is lost through leaks, but we\u2019ve prioritised repiping projects to address this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linking the issue to global climate trends, Senator Newton stressed the need for long-term solutions. \u201cWe no longer have surface or groundwater due to climate change,\u201d he said. \u201cDesalination is now our only sustainable option, and we\u2019re committed to increasing production to 7.7 million gallons per day by September 2025.\u201d<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Newton concluded by reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to improving the system. \u201cWe have prioritised water production and taken necessary steps to ensure the people of Antigua and Barbuda have access to this essential resource,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Newton Defends Government\u2019s Response to Water Crisis Senator Lamin Newton has defended the government\u2019s handling of the country\u2019s water challenges, citing significant investments and progress in addressing the issue. Speaking in the Senate during the 2025 budget debate, Senator Newton acknowledged ongoing problems, including leaks and pressure issues, but highlighted efforts to improve infrastructure. \u201cThe […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":150405,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-219505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nNewton Defends Government\u2019s Response to Water Crisis - Antigua News Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/newton-defends-governments-response-to-water-crisis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Newton Defends Government\u2019s Response to Water Crisis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Newton Defends Government\u2019s Response to Water Crisis Senator Lamin Newton has defended the government\u2019s handling of the country\u2019s water challenges, citing significant investments and progress in addressing the issue. 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