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Faucet close-up with running water.
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has recently announced its first water rate increase in over three decades.
The reason for this is due to the mounting production costs, which have left the organization with no other choice but to introduce limited rate hikes.
In a press statement released by APUA’s Water Business Unit on Thursday afternoon, it was highlighted that the organization has been relentless in finding and implementing alternative solutions to combat the challenges of water scarcity.
These efforts included expanding the water production to a dependable, but costly option by harvesting water from the sea.
Within the past ten years, APUA has made significant investments in adding new Reverse Osmosis Plants, extending its transmission and distribution lines, upgrading to High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, and continually maintaining and upgrading its network.
The rate increases will not affect domestic customers of APUA. Effective from 1st April 2024, Commercial Water Rates for customers will be adjusted as follows: Current rate per 1,000 gals for Commercial, Cruise Port, and Bulk Sales will be increased from $50.00 to $60.00, $75.00, and $60.00, respectively.
APUA understands that rate adjustments or increases may not always be welcomed at first.
However, the organization wants to reassure its customers of its dedication to maintaining the most competitive and marketable rates while striving to uphold international service standards.
You should increase the cost of a product if the quality is good and your service is good.APUA has not given us a good product(water) or good service in years. Please improve your performance before your price, that is just good business. Onelove