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Hon. E.P. Chet Greene
By E. P. Chet Greene
There is no denying that Antigua and Barbuda’s most pressing infrastructural challenges remain our roads and water supply. These issues, longstanding and deeply embedded in our national development narrative, have often been met with temporary solutions rather than strategic, sustainable interventions. Citizens have endured subpar services for decades, leading many to question the political will of successive administrations to truly fix these fundamental concerns.
Encouragingly, the government has made notable strides in addressing the water crisis, primarily through investments in Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology. The commissioning of the Pigeon Point plant has already improved water service in English Harbour, Cobbs Cross, Falmouth and Piccadilly. More recently, the RO plant at Ffryes has significantly enhanced supply in the southern corridor, directly benefiting residents, businesses and importantly the tourism sector.
The expansion of water facilities has also extended to other regions, with the Fort James plant improving supply in the northwest and the Ivan Rodrigues and Crabbs plants boosting service in the eastern and central parts of the island. While progress has been made, full resolution remains a work in progress, with areas like Liberta, All Saints, Buckleys and John Hughes awaiting completion of new reservoir systems to ensure consistency in service.
Given Antigua and Barbuda’s history of drought-prone conditions, reliance on surface and groundwater sources has been unpredictable. However, recent rainfall has temporarily alleviated some service issues. The increased implementation of RO solutions, though costly, is proving to be an essential and long-term investment for an economy experiencing upward growth and increased demand for reliable water access.
The efforts of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and government leadership should be recognized for making tangible advancements in water security. While more work remains, an objective and depoliticized national dialogue is necessary to acknowledge the improvements made while identifying areas that still require urgent attention.
The conversation surrounding Antigua and Barbuda’s deteriorating road network is reaching a critical juncture. The government’s announcement of a $500 million road improvement initiative marks a major step forward in addressing what is arguably the most discussed and frustrating issue for residents and businesses alike. This plan includes the creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for road financing, partially funded through a modest increase in vehicle licensing fees.
Despite its necessity, this funding mechanism has met resistance from opposition figures who have yet to present viable alternatives. The argument that the government should first construct the roads before increasing fees is impractical, as existing revenue streams cannot sustain the required upgrades without such targeted financial strategies. Additional taxation is not the answer, but leveraging structured financing mechanisms can ensure long-term infrastructural improvement without undue economic burden on citizens.
The condition of our roads is a universal grievance, cutting across all demographics. Whether it is a daily commuter, a pastor addressing their congregation, or a housewife managing household expenses, everyone has been impacted by the state of our road network. The high cost of vehicle maintenance due to potholes and poorly maintained roads has strained household and business budgets, further underscoring the urgency of implementing a lasting solution.
Much like the water supply issue, road infrastructure challenges did not emerge overnight. Years of underfunding and poor maintenance have exacerbated the problem, requiring bold and strategic investment. While citizens have a right to demand efficient execution of these projects, it is equally important to contribute constructively to the national conversation.
Much like the water supply issue, road infrastructure challenges did not emerge overnight. Years of underfunding and poor maintenance have exacerbated the problem, requiring bold and strategic investment. While citizens have a right to demand efficient execution of these projects, it is equally important to contribute constructively to the national conversation.
Moving beyond partisan rhetoric and focusing on collective national progress is essential for real change.
Antigua and Barbuda stands at a pivotal moment in its infrastructural development. The progress in water supply through RO technology is evidence that long-term solutions, though costly and gradual, yield significant benefits. The road rehabilitation plan, if effectively implemented, can similarly transform the country’s economic and social landscape.
However, achieving these goals requires a shift in perspective. Instead of engaging in divisive political debates, citizens must support evidence-based policies and hold leadership accountable through constructive engagement.
National development is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is a collective effort that demands active participation from all sectors of society.
Rome was not built in a day, but the commitment of its people ensured its grandeur. Likewise, Antigua and Barbuda can achieve infrastructural resilience and sustainability through collaboration, foresight and unwavering determination. Let us commit to fixing our nation’s problems, one step at a time, for a stronger and more prosperous future.
I guess the government trying hard to make their case for the increase but do the ministers pay licensing fees? No they don’t cause their vehicles are government assigned so leave us alone please