Antigua and Barbuda is expected to significantly increase its water production capacity before the end of the year with the addition of approximately two million gallons of new daily production.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne made the announcement during Saturday’s edition of the Browne and Browne radio programme.

According to Browne, APUA intends to install an additional 1.5 million-gallon reverse osmosis plant at Crabs.

The Government will also commission another facility capable of producing approximately 400,000 gallons of water daily at Friars Hill.

The Friars Hill plant is being donated by the Government of Japan and is expected to arrive next month.

“I met with the Japanese ambassador this week and he confirmed that the plant will arrive in July,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister explained that the additional production is part of the Government’s long-term strategy to improve water security and strengthen resilience against prolonged periods of drought.

He acknowledged that some communities continue to experience intermittent supply challenges but said efforts are underway to address those issues.

By increasing production capacity, Browne said the country will be better positioned to meet growing demand and reduce the impact of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns

“We are investing heavily in water infrastructure because we understand that water security is essential to our country’s development and quality of life,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that the new facilities will complement existing investments that have already enabled Antigua and Barbuda to reach record water production levels despite severe drought conditions.