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BY- Brent Simon
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy of Antigua and Barbuda has officially proposed a $5 million agricultural water infrastructure initiative to the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF). The Potworks Dam Streamway Expansion Project aims to enhance water management, increase agricultural productivity, and improve climate resilience – with a focus on the farming communities in Little Deuers and Table Hill Gardens.
The proposal drafted by Mr. Adriel Thibou/Senior Forestry Officer, exemplifies the government’s commitment to modernizing irrigation infrastructure and reducing the vulnerability of local farmers to inconsistent water supply. Alvin Christian, a consultant specializing in soil, water management, and heavy-duty equipment, has been instrumental in shaping the project’s technical framework.
The key objectives of the project are to:
Expand the Little Deuers Reservoir to improve water storage and capacity and reduce soil erosion.
Develop Table Hill Gardens through conservation techniques, terracing, and road rehabilitation, enhancing accessibility to farmers.
Enhance streamways and spillways to facilitate efficient water distribution across agricultural zones.
Empower farmers and communities by training them in sustainable management practices.
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), represented by Mr. Christopher Mc Nair/CDF Programs Specialist, has been engaged in discussions about the project’s potential impact on the agricultural sector. Mc Nair, known for his expertise in business development across the Caribbean, emphasized the importance of sustainable investments in agriculture to foster long-term food security.
The project is expected to support over 1,700 acres of farmland, with the goal of increasing agricultures contribution to Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP from 1.5% to 5% by 2030. It also aligns with CARICOM’s 25×25 initiative, which seeks to reduce regional food imports by 25% by 2025, and contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including food security, clean water access, and climate resilience.
With input from Ika Fergus/Senior Extension Officer and Mr. Joel Matthew/Extension Officer, the initiative also prioritizes farmer engagement and knowledge sharing, ensuring that local communities play an active role in the transformation of this sector. While Mr. Gregory Bailey/Director of Agriculture, expressed confidence in the proposal emphasizing that strategic investments in water infrastructure will be key to unlocking Antigua and Barbuda’s full agricultural potential.
The Potworks Dam Streamway Expansion Project represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade – it is a blueprint for agricultural resilience, economic growth, and environmental Conservation/sustainability.
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Big fan of the idea, I need a big more details and a map of where is Little Deuers Reservoir would be appreciated
Good move, but hope CARICOM actually come through and na just give sweet talk.
Potworks Dam been struggling for years. This project long overdue.
Water situation serious in Antigua. If CARICOM can help, mek dem hurry up and do so.
Dem need to fix the dam, but dem also need to fix APUA water distribution too!
Hope dis na just one of dem fancy announcements with no follow-up.
If dis project can help ease water rationing, me all for it.
Get the Mafia to pay some oh it!!! He cleared agriculture land for his shit