Antigua and Barbuda: ABLP lays outs plans for water, electricity, manufacturing in manifesto 

Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party announced their plans and pledges for the waters, electricity and manufacturing in the manifesto for the January 18 general elections. 

Antigua and Barbuda: ABLP lays outs plans for water, electricity, manufacturing in manifesto 
Antigua and Barbuda: ABLP lays outs plans for water, electricity, manufacturing in manifesto 

Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party announced their plans and pledges for the waters, electricity and manufacturing in the manifesto for the January 18 general elections. 

WATER

Water- nation’s potable production has doubled, and delivery has improved significantly since the ABLP took office in 2014.

The quantum of reverse osmosis (RO) water production has moved from 3.0 million gallons daily, in 2014, to more than 7 million gallons daily in 2022. The ABLP has spent EC$130 million to buy and install new RO plants.

At Pigeon Point, Ivan Rodrigues, Ffryes Beach, and Fort James, new plants were added for water production, adding upwards of four million gallons to the daily supply. APUA has completed the purchase of yet another RO plant which will be constructed in Bethesda, producing an additional 3 million gallons daily.

ELECTRICITY

Under the UPP, electricity production and its provision to homes and businesses was a disaster. The UPP purchased the so-called, Wadadil, Power Plant, at a cost of $150 million, claiming it would provide 30 megawatts of power for 50 years.

It did not work beyond a couple of years and failed to reach its potential output. Yet another wastage of scarce financial resources; all 5 engines are destined for Cook’s landfill.

APUA today is collaborating with the Antigua Power Company to provide more electricity from a 40-megawatt LNG plant, over several decades, for a competitive cost. Improved electricity supply is also possible because of the replacement of the rotten KV-9 transmission lines. Although the cost of inputs, especially fuel, has increased, the basic cost of electricity to homes has been subsidized and remains unchanged. Further improvements in electricity delivery are planned to cater for the demands of an expanding and growing economy.

MANUFACTURING

Over the last LWO years, manufacturing has contributed over EC$100 million to our nation’s gross domestic product. The sector is capable of much more. The ABLP government will continue to promote the sector, especially now that both a modern Airport and a large, modern Cargo port have been added to the box of tools available to attract manufacturing industries, geared for exports.

Goods can be shipped by sea from Antigua and Barbuda to the Caribbean, North America, Central America, and South America more easily than ever before. Local entrepreneurs will continue to be encouraged, through tax incentives the development of land square foot the provision at $3.00 goes into manufacturing.Â