CABINET NOTES- The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has agreed to enter into partnership with WOTA Corporation of Japan to advance a national water-security programme centered on decentralized, autonomous water-recycling systems.

During a presentation to Cabinet, WOTA outlined its technology capable of purifying and reusing water at the point of use — an innovation that will strengthen resilience to droughts and natural disasters while promoting sustainable management of the country’s limited freshwater resources.Under the agreement soon to be signed, Antigua and Barbuda will participate in a Joint Proof of Business (PoB) initiative supported by the Government of Japan, involving the deployment of at least 500 WOTA systems across the country. The Ministry of ICT, Utilities and Energy will act as the Executing Agency, providing coordination and oversight, while the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will serve as the Implementing Agency responsible for installation and operations. A joint monitoring committee comprising WOTA, the Government of Japan, and local agencies will supervise implementation. To facilitate the initiative, the Cabinet has agreed to consider a request for 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. This measure aims to encourage broad adoption of the technology while ensuring that communities, schools, and institutions can access reliable, sustainable water solutions at affordable costsPrime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the proposed partnership, noting that it reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to innovation, technology transfer, and climate resilience within the framework of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The collaboration is expected to serve as a regional model, demonstrating how advanced water-recycling systems can enhance self-sufficiency and sustainability across the Caribbean.