Cabinet has approved financing to procure an automation system for Antigua and Barbuda’s water distribution network, following what officials described as a detailed briefing on persistent supply challenges, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing.

Merchant said Cabinet received “a comprehensive briefing” from the management of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority on the state of the national water system and efforts underway to improve distribution.

“The Cabinet received a comprehensive briefing from the manager of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, Mr. John Bradshaw, and also the acting water business unit manager, Mr. Jason Peters, on the current status of the national water supply system and ongoing efforts to strengthen water distribution,” Merchant said.

He said APUA outlined vulnerabilities across the network, particularly in “central, eastern, and southeastern communities,” where elevation and pressure challenges continue to affect regular water delivery.

According to Merchant, Cabinet was told APUA is already implementing mitigation measures, including “the upgrading of pumps, the installation of booster stations, and improvements to pressure management systems,” aimed at improving consistency during periods of high demand and dry weather.

Merchant said water officials stressed the importance of moving toward automation, noting that semi-automation and eventual full automation would significantly reduce disruptions.

“Automation would significantly reduce service disruptions, minimize pipe ruptures caused by excessive pressure, and allow for real-time monitoring and control of water flow,” he said.

He said Cabinet “immediately approved the allocation of financing for the procurement of an automation system,” adding that APUA has already made progress in modernizing parts of the network and is working to close remaining gaps.