Cabinet responds to Lovell’s criticism with order of membranes for RO plants and expansion of water capacity at Fort James
In an apparent concession to accusations made by United Progressive Party Leader Harold Lovell – that the country’s Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is mismanaged and inadequately maintained – the Cabinet has decided to replace the membranes at several plants.
During its sitting on Wednesday, March 23, the Executive acknowledged that the plants have not been producing at their maximum capacity and that the replacement of worn membranes will vastly improve water production.
Therefore, an order of 1,800 membranes, reportedly at a cost of $1.3 million, has been made and should arrive here within a few weeks, the Notes claim.
Meanwhile, in an effort to ensure there is pipe-borne water daily in certain communities, discussions were held on the issue of water supply, and included a representative from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).
As a result, the RO plant being constructed at Fort James is to be expanded from 500,000 gallons to one million gallons per day.
The additional units to facilitate this expansion have reportedly been ordered, as well, the Notes say, and APUA is expected to engage the manufacturers so that shipping can be expedited this week.
The Fort James RO plant will service areas that include St. John’s City, The Point, Villa, Fort Road, Yorks, and McKinnon’s.
In the meantime, to keep abreast of what is happening with the water situation, the Cabinet has requested that APUA provide a report at least every two weeks.
