Jamale Pringle has pledged immediate relief for households struggling with unreliable water supply, announcing that a United Progressive Party (UPP) government would remove taxes on key water storage equipment and roll out a targeted relief programme.

Speaking at the party’s campaign launch on Sunday night, Pringle outlined a Water Tanks and Accessories Relief Program aimed at helping residents cope with persistent shortages while longer-term infrastructure improvements are pursued.

“We will take off all taxes on pumps, pressure tanks, water tanks,” Pringle said, adding that the measure is intended to ensure households can store and access water even when supply is inconsistent.

He said the initiative would serve as an interim solution “until we are able to deliver water to you on a regular basis,” positioning it as immediate relief while broader system upgrades are implemented.

Pringle framed the issue as a matter of basic dignity, pointing to ongoing hardships faced by residents across the country.

“This is not inconvenience. This is indignity. And we will end it,” he told supporters, referencing situations where households go without water for daily needs.

Beyond the tax relief, the opposition leader also committed to accelerating infrastructure improvements, including expanding pipelines through the Antigua Public Utilities Authority and maintaining reverse osmosis plants to boost production.

He further promised that water storage tanks previously installed in communities would be fully connected and brought into operation.

“Every single storage tank… will be connected and commissioned,” Pringle said, criticizing what he described as underutilised infrastructure.

The proposals form part of the UPP’s broader platform ahead of the April 30 general election, as the party seeks to position itself as offering both immediate relief and long-term solutions to one of the country’s most persistent challenges.