Fixing our infrastructure is not a political football, it requires responsible dialogue
By E. P. Chet Greene
There is no denying that Antigua and Barbuda’s most pressing infrastructural challenges remain our roads and water supply. These issues, longstanding and deeply embedded in our national development narrative, have often been met with temporary solutions rather than strategic, sustainable interventions. Citizens have endured subpar services for decades, leading many to question the political will of successive administrations to truly fix these fundamental concerns.
Encouragingly, the government has made notable strides in addressing the water crisis, primarily through investments in Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology. The commissioning of the Pigeon Point plant has already improved water service in English Harbour, Cobbs Cross, Falmouth and Piccadilly. More recently, the RO plant at Ffryes has significantly enhanced supply in the southern corridor, directly benefiting residents, businesses and importantly the tourism sector.
The expansion of water facilities has also extended to other regions, with the Fort James plant improving supply in the northwest and the Ivan Rodrigues and Crabbs plants boosting service in the eastern and central parts of the island. While progress has been made, full resolution remains a work in progress, with areas like Liberta, All Saints, Buckleys and John Hughes awaiting completion of new reservoir systems to ensure consistency in service.
Given Antigua and Barbuda’s history of drought-prone conditions, reliance on surface and groundwater sources has been unpredictable. However, recent rainfall has temporarily alleviated some service issues. The increased implementation of RO solutions, though costly, is proving to be an essential and long-term investment for an economy experiencing upward growth and increased demand for reliable water access.
The efforts of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and government leadership should be recognized for making tangible advancements in water security. While more work remains, an objective and depoliticized national dialogue is necessary to acknowledge the improvements made while identifying areas that still require urgent attention.
The conversation surrounding Antigua and Barbuda’s deteriorating road network is reaching a critical juncture. The government’s announcement of a $500 million road improvement initiative marks a major step forward in addressing what is arguably the most discussed and frustrating issue for residents and businesses alike. This plan includes the creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for road financing, partially funded through a modest increase in vehicle licensing fees.
Despite its necessity, this funding mechanism has met resistance from opposition figures who have yet to present viable alternatives. The argument that the government should first construct the roads before increasing fees is impractical, as existing revenue streams cannot sustain the required upgrades without such targeted financial strategies. Additional taxation is not the answer, but leveraging structured financing mechanisms can ensure long-term infrastructural improvement without undue economic burden on citizens.
The condition of our roads is a universal grievance, cutting across all demographics. Whether it is a daily commuter, a pastor addressing their congregation, or a housewife managing household expenses, everyone has been impacted by the state of our road network. The high cost of vehicle maintenance due to potholes and poorly maintained roads has strained household and business budgets, further underscoring the urgency of implementing a lasting solution.
Much like the water supply issue, road infrastructure challenges did not emerge overnight. Years of underfunding and poor maintenance have exacerbated the problem, requiring bold and strategic investment. While citizens have a right to demand efficient execution of these projects, it is equally important to contribute constructively to the national conversation.
Much like the water supply issue, road infrastructure challenges did not emerge overnight. Years of underfunding and poor maintenance have exacerbated the problem, requiring bold and strategic investment. While citizens have a right to demand efficient execution of these projects, it is equally important to contribute constructively to the national conversation.
Moving beyond partisan rhetoric and focusing on collective national progress is essential for real change.
Antigua and Barbuda stands at a pivotal moment in its infrastructural development. The progress in water supply through RO technology is evidence that long-term solutions, though costly and gradual, yield significant benefits. The road rehabilitation plan, if effectively implemented, can similarly transform the country’s economic and social landscape.
However, achieving these goals requires a shift in perspective. Instead of engaging in divisive political debates, citizens must support evidence-based policies and hold leadership accountable through constructive engagement.
National development is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is a collective effort that demands active participation from all sectors of society.
Rome was not built in a day, but the commitment of its people ensured its grandeur. Likewise, Antigua and Barbuda can achieve infrastructural resilience and sustainability through collaboration, foresight and unwavering determination. Let us commit to fixing our nation’s problems, one step at a time, for a stronger and more prosperous future.
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Chups, Chups, Chups, you’ll never PM of this country
This is worse than the Air Peace deal you signed in Lagos.
Only the illiterate and the too afraid to talk think’s that deal is as you present it.
What did Air Peace bring to the table to get 70% of LIAT20 plus LIAT hanger.
I have the answer.
The willingness to front for the Antiguans who own almost half of LIAT20
Antiguans are victims; for when they are presented with bogus deals, they keep their mouths shut. They know their lives will be made worse and more miserable when they open their mouths.
What special purpose vehicle (SPV) for road financing? It’s a high interest bank loan with kickbacks. Hight increase in vehicle registration fees to cover a high interest bank loan
All you Morans had to do is follow and take a page out of the book of other Countries that have successfully financed road construction.
A dedicated road construction finance by petroleum usage tax.
It’s a road usage tax that goes into a looked box (segregated and dedicated funds) by law and cannot be touched for any other purpose than road construction and repair.
The political dribble of “Antigua and Barbuda stands at a pivotal moment in its infrastructural development”
is an insult to an inform individual and has nothing to do with politics. Let me correct. It’s political insulting.
There is no media outlet digital or otherwise across the Caribbean which will challenge your narrative.
CHET Can you explain how the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for road financing will work to fix our roads without putting too much financial pressure on citizens?
The $500 million road improvement plan sounds like a big step, but I wonder if the extra fees will really be enough to cover the costs. Hopefully, the special financing plan works
It’s frustrating that our roads have been in such bad shape for so long. I really hope the government can stick to their road improvement promises and get things done on time.
Yes, one can broadly agree on the face of this propaganda.
Where is the science based evidence that the proposed road rehabilitation program is being done in THE most cost effective manner taking into account economic growth and what does the transport demand look like, anthropogenic climate change and seeing that it is now $400 million more than what has been announced recently.
So Minister Greene, where can one find the project documents so one can objectively peruse and study to understand the plan, material use, carbon foot print, what load capacity the roads will be built to.
The Government talks about transparency, experience tells us that it is just talk.
One is reminded of the “Economic Recovery Committee” report of August 2020, since then we have heard nothing more, we can’t even find the report online, there was a page, it is now gone.
Anyone know where to find this information in order to have a meaningful dialogue on this matter, which would be in line with the Constitution, the Escuza agreement and other international Treaties that Antigua and Barbuda is a member of.