Antigua and Barbuda Partners with Japan’s WOTA Corporation to Launch National Water-Security Programme

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a landmark partnership with WOTA Corporation of Japan to advance a national water-security initiative built around decentralized and autonomous water-recycling systems.

The collaboration, which is supported by the Government of Japan, will introduce cutting-edge technology capable of purifying and reusing water directly at the point of use a major step toward enhancing the nation’s resilience to droughts and natural disasters, while promoting sustainable management of limited freshwater resources.

Under the soon-to-be-signed agreement, Antigua and Barbuda will participate in a Joint Proof of Business (PoB) programme that will see the deployment of at least 500 WOTA systems across communities, schools, and institutions nationwide.

The Ministry of ICT, Utilities and Energy will serve as the Executing Agency, providing overall coordination and oversight, while the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will function as the Implementing Agency, responsible for installation, operation, and maintenance of the systems. A joint monitoring committee comprising representatives of WOTA, the Government of Japan, and local agencies will supervise implementation and performance.

To facilitate broad adoption, Cabinet has agreed to consider a five-year exemption from all taxes and duties on the importation, sale, installation, and maintenance of WOTA systems and components, effective January 1, 2026. The measure is intended to make the technology more accessible and affordable, particularly for public institutions and underserved communities.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne hailed the partnership as a forward-looking step in Antigua and Barbuda’s climate resilience agenda, emphasizing that the initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable development within the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

He added that the WOTA collaboration is expected to serve as a regional model, showcasing how advanced water-recycling technology can bolster self-sufficiency and sustainability across the Caribbean.