The PM says many of the nation’s pipes are “almost 100 years old”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has given some insight into some of the water infrastructural problems that are plaguing not only the nation, but a major Caribbean subregion. Speaking on his weekly Pointe FM radio show, the PM laid bare the facts.
“We have a piping infrastructural problem within the entire English-speaking Caribbean. This applies to Barbados, Jamaica – you name it”, Browne said. “Since those pipes were actually laid – probably about 100 years ago – they have not been replaced. All countries – certainly English speaking Caribbean countries – will find themselves having to re-pipe.”
Prime Minister Browne commented on how this problem becomes especially relevant due to the government’s dual initiative of laying new roads and making water infrastructure upgrades.
“So what is happening now, as we keep increasing the amount of water through reverse osmosis water, and with all that pressure – the pipes keep bursting. Now the problem is, you don’t know when and where a pipe is gonna burst.”
Browne refers to the frustrating practice of having to dig up a newly laid road in order to fix a break in the aging water pipes.
“Just on Redcliffe Street, Public Works went in there and ‘Barber-Greene’ the road, because they were trying to spruce up St. John’s. ‘Barber-Greene’ the road – next thing, BOOM”, said Browne.
As Browne pilots the country’s island-wide road repair program, deeply entrenched infrastructural problems are being uncovered – problems that must be addressed if any long-lasting successes in development are to be gained. These deficiencies, according to the Prime Minister, highlight the common need among English-speaking Caribbean countries to upgrade systems that are – by now – several decades old.
You will get the same results do the pipes then the road we are accustom to the bad roads already, replace the pipes. Nicholas doing a good job with the water pressure and the internet and phone he working on things of necessity.
Except people who actually travel will know that the rest of the Caribbean enjoys consistent, regular water supply, with few interruptions. The only place I’ve faced water woes in all my travels is at home in Antigua.
Why were the pipes not replaced at the same time as the roads were being done?
This shows obvious lack of foresight by the minister in charge.
I’m just happy that they are finally fixing this problem which is quite understandable after reading this. Cause I too kept wondering why APUA always digging Io after public works done nice up the road. Now I know
Best of luck in getting the problem solved. It has been long overdue.
I realize this is a global issue. Many years ago these pipes were installed. Decades ago in some cases. It will be a great inconvience to have them replaced but it is worth it
Glad the PM is saying it publicly. For years, we’ve wondered why freshly paved roads suddenly become construction zones again.
I kinda don’t get it. Like, what is PM Browne trying to say? Let’s focus on our pipe infrastructure here. If you studying Barbados/Jamaica and Barbados/Jamaica is studying themselves who’s studying Antigua? Let’s work on our problems and not add other people in our problems
It’s not just an Antigua problem, he’s right. I work in infrastructure and most of the Caribbean is running on ancient systems. The real question is: who’s paying for the upgrades? That’s billions.
Browne is making alot of sense. The problem with our country is that we small islands are very poor. So addressing these piping issues can take alot of money that we dont have