Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas has confirmed that restoration work on a key water storage tank in Buckleys is nearing completion, as part of government efforts to strengthen Antigua’s water infrastructure.

The 600,000-gallon tank—one of two reservoirs in the Buckleys area—had deteriorated significantly over time due to corrosion and leakage. Nicholas said the refurbishment is expected to be finalised by mid-July, enabling improved distribution to several areas, including St. Paul’s, which has faced chronic supply challenges.

“We will be able to better supply the people of St. Paul’s,” the minister said, adding that increased water production must be matched by adequate storage to meet national demand.

The restoration forms part of a wider strategy to improve water resilience, as Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) continues to scale up production capacity, now exceeding nine million gallons per day.

Nicholas also announced plans to construct a new 500,000-gallon reservoir in the New Winthorpes area. The structure will be built using masonry rather than steel due to its location within the airport’s flight path, which restricts vertical structures that could interfere with aircraft operations.

“We’ve acquired the land and are currently clearing the site,” he said. “The aim is to support reliable water delivery to high-elevation communities.”

The Buckleys and New Winthorpes projects are among several initiatives aimed at strengthening both water production and storage infrastructure. The government is also investing in modern technologies, such as SCADA systems, to enable real-time monitoring of water flow and pressure across the island.

According to Nicholas, these upgrades are crucial to eliminating longstanding distribution issues and ensuring that all communities—especially those at higher altitudes—receive a consistent and adequate supply.