Dear Editor,
This is not meant to offend anyone. If you are someone who pays your APUA bills on time, this message is not directed at you. But as a concerned citizen, I believe it is time we have an honest conversation about priorities, especially when it comes to our utility bills.
First, let me say this. APUA is not perfect, and I do not think they have ever claimed to be. Like many organisations, they have faced challenges, particularly with the water supply. But they have also shown commitment. Despite the high cost of producing and distributing water, they continue to subsidize it, providing it to us for less than it actually costs. That says a lot. This is not just about promises. It is about progress, and we have seen it.
Yes, we are all aware of the water challenges. But if we are honest, we can admit that there have been noticeable improvements. It may not be 24-hour supply for everyone, but the situation has improved. And let us not pretend we have not been kept informed. APUA has provided countless updates about what they are doing and what is being worked on. Sometimes it feels like people forget that other countries have water issues too. Antigua is not alone. The only difference is, we seem to have mastered the art of complaining and tearing down our own country.
I truly hope that when the water issues are fully resolved, credit will be given where it is due and that “Jack will get their jacket.”
Over the years, APUA has played a major role in the development of our nation. So why do we treat them differently? We would not think of owing any other service provider for three months and still expect continued service. Yet somehow, we believe APUA should just accept it. That is not fair.
Delivering reliable service, improving infrastructure, and investing in modern technology all require funding. APUA has financial obligations too. They must pay employees, maintain equipment, and meet the demands of their suppliers. Most of the funding for these activities comes directly from the payment of customer bills.
It is important to remember that APUA operates on a postpaid system. This means you receive the service first, then a bill is generated. On top of that, a grace period of three to four weeks is often given before the bill is due. Yet when disconnection becomes necessary, some of us say it is unfair. But the real issue is not disconnection. It is the lack of priority.
Too often, APUA bills are left until last or left out entirely. But almost every part of daily life depends on their services. Electricity powers your home, keeps your food fresh, charges your phone, and cools your space. Water is a basic need. Internet keeps you connected and working. These are not optional services. They are necessities.
We must do better. Life is about balance, yes. Work, fun, and relaxation all matter. But when one fete or shopping spree costs more than your APUA bill, and then the lights go out or the Wi-Fi cuts off, we should not be surprised.
This is not about shame. It is about accountability. We have a shared responsibility. APUA cannot serve us if we do not support them. Let us start making our APUA bills a priority. Not just when we are in the dark, but because we understand and value the services that power our lives.
A Concerned Citizen
I simply don’t like reading people’s opinions. But hey that’s yours. My opinion is that I dont care for your opinion
Antigua people just don’t like paying bills, period!!
APUA need to stop robbing people ….. How someone bill jump from 2 high to 7 high nothing extra added in the house. But bill fly sky high.. APUA bill is coming way more that ppl salary at times.
Respectfully, APUA needs to get their act together as well. We can talk about priorities, but they must also improve customer service and response times. It goes both ways.
Picture this. You don’t get water for almost a month but you’re expected to cover a bill that exceeds the water they actually give. Who’s expected to pay that? I’m not gonna touch on light cause we always have. but let’s talk about water
I don’t even think this is about APUA. Antiguans living like kings and queens. Nobody dressing better than them. When antiguans step out…red carpet has nothing on them. The women on fleet from eyelash to toenail. The men aswell. Young and old. They are at all events no matter the entry fee…farmers only…red eye…blue jeans…but when it comes ro pay their bills they have an issue. Come on! We need to set our priorities right as a people.
Like some have already stated, some Antiguans just don’t like paying bills but will use their last dollar to dress up and fete up. Rent is something else they have an issue with like they name fowl and can sleep a doe or cats that just lick themselves clean without water. What’s that saying about living tink and acting sweet…( or something like that)?
Interesting piece but the bills are still too high in most cases.
Yes, APUA has served us well in some areas, KUDOS to them! But there are business places out there who owes or contrubutes to most of these outstanding bills. Are they going behind of them to collect these monies or threaten disconnection?
Let’s not watch people’s pockets. They’re persons out there trying to make ends meet by paying all their bills or a portion of it. Standard of living keeps going up but not salaries.
APUA charges $600+ for persons requesting water in newly built properties. However you’re placed on a waiting list for months after you done dish out the money without water. Rumors has it, they’re out of meters. Now you’re forced to purchase a pump in the meantime with money you don’t have until you’re next on the list.
If it was a business place, do you believe they would be waiting?
Govt should be paying for meters, lamp posts etc but we the people pays for these things with no refund, not even half.
So we ALL need to do better