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The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is grappling with financial challenges as water subsidies continue to exceed $27 million annually.
During the post-cabinet media briefing, Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst confirmed that the government is reviewing ways to make the water sector more sustainable without resorting to privatization.
“Water is a loss leader,” Hurst said. “We are essentially giving it away, especially through standpipes in low-income communities where water is provided free of charge.”
Under the current pricing system, households pay a fixed rate of $22 for the first 3,000 gallons of water, a cost that officials say does not reflect the true expenses of production and distribution.
Meanwhile, the APUA must absorb losses, redirecting profits from electricity and broadband services to cover water operations.
The government is considering adjustments to water rates as part of a broader effort to ensure long-term sustainability. However, Hurst emphasized that any price changes would be carefully evaluated to maintain affordability for residents.
Officials have also pointed to ongoing efforts to improve the water distribution network, including repairs to leaking infrastructure and expanded desalination capacity.
The government has secured assistance from China to support these upgrades, but officials stress that financial sustainability remains a priority.
There is no immediate timeline for changes to water pricing, but discussions are expected to continue in the coming months.
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That’s our issue here in Antigua. Everything is subsidized and free. Anywhere else you go in the world, these things have to be paid for. I will continue to say Taxes run a country. It just cannot be business as usual if we want things to be better. Me sure aryou see wah Trump a deal wid. It’s time to get our own shit together.
It is just a matter of time before this administration hike water price, you all are just plucking wicked to poor people, raise in car license fees, raise in water, have you all ever considered you do not pay utilitiy bills and other things, just pure bull s**t, damn it man
It’s good that the government is providing water subsidies, but the financial strain on APUA is concerning.
APUA’s financial strain is really worrying.
JCFJW, have you ever considered everything as far as utilities are concerned the people we put in power get for FREE, maybe you are loaded or you might just be a member of the LICKSPITTLE BRIGADE that get some of the goodies so you don’t give a s**t about the rest of the population. Haven’t you heard of their record breaking tax collection
I think perhaps it’s time for a more efficient distribution system or a review of subsidy policies to balance the budget.
Best way to get free water from APUA is bring your 5 gallon bottles to the standpipes and load up. No water bill for me.