Hike in commercial water rate is unjust, Pringle says, given the tax increases that businesses are already paying

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REAL NEWS: With businesses expected to pay more for water as of next week,
Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle says the rate increase is
unjust, given that the commodity is not received on any regular
basis.

Commencing April 1, 2024, the rate for the commercial sector
moves from 50 per thousand gallons to 60 per thousand gallons;
cruise port moves from 50 per thousand gallons to 75; while bulk
sales move from 50 to 60 per thousand gallons.

As justification, the Water Business Unit of the Antigua Public
Utilities Authority (APUA) has said that the current water rates have
been maintained for more than three decades.

Therefore, as the Authority continues to expand its network and
update its aged infrastructure, APUA says it has become
indispensable to adjust its billing rates to offset production,
distribution, operating and capital costs.

However, Pringle says this hike is unconscionable, as businesses are
now paying a plethora of tax increases, including the 2 percent on
the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST).

He says the Government first needs to improve its delivery to ensure
that water is received on a 24-hour basis before putting a greater
burden on consumers.

With the amount of money already spent on trying to resolve the
water problem, citizens and residents should have daily pipe-borne
water, the Opposition leader believes.

Now, the Government is entering into agreements with a private
American company and the Government of Japan in an effort to
address the problem –
even though there are many Reverse Osmosis Plants across the
country.

Commenting on this, Pringle says the Browne Administration should
allow another party to take the reins of office, as it has been unable
to put proper mechanisms in place to handle the water crisis.

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5 COMMENTS

  2. APUA should have raised the water rate 10 years ago instead of taking loans that we can’t see any benefit from. If water costs $50 per 1000 gallons to produce as an example, it should not cost $22 per 1000 gallon to the consumer. The money has to come from somewhere. APUA is selling a tangible product. I support the price hike so that they can get the supply and management issue resolved. To be clear, most of the issue is a management problem.

  3. We are running out of water because all the illegal Jamaicans and Haitians that have taken over the country, thousands and thousands.

    We will continue to have water shortages until all the illegals are deported. And when all the illegals are stopped entering in the first place.

  4. We the people would be paying for those Commercial Increases in water rates.They are going to pass those increases to their customers.So it does not matter your political party affiliation.You are going to take it in your wallet.

  5. Pringle, your brethrin them from Sweets need to make money from their water trucks and help you make money from yours so shut up!!

Comments are closed.