Cabinet agrees to employ Barbados firm to test for leaking water pipes despite new ones having a 50-year lifespan

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), for the past eight years, reportedly has been replacing its old metal water pipes with high-density polyethylene pipes that have a lifespan of 50 years.

This initiative was undertaken to stop existing leaking pipes from wasting millions of gallons of water, which frustrated APUA’s efforts to provide water consistently.

Now, the Cabinet is planning to utilize the services of a Barbados-based firm called INNOTECH, which has the capacity to detect pipes leaking beneath the earth.

The company met with the Executive on Wednesday, August 31, to share its successes in this regard in addition to its waste-management capabilities.

The firm reportedly has access to the technology that will allow it to detect leaks in the network of pipes that carry potable water to homes and villages, the Cabinet Notes say.  This technology was employed in Barbados “where 1,150 points of leak were identified in the water network.”

It was noted that Barbados’ water authority tested 60% — or more than 600 of those leaks – and found the technology to be accurate.

Sir Robin Yearwood, the Minister responsible for APUA, immediately agreed to have that technology deployed in Antigua and Barbuda, especially in those areas in St. John’s where they are certain that significant leakage is taking place, the Notes claim,  

In November 2018, the Government announced that APUA would embark on a $30 million re-piping project to reduce water loss and increase supply to homes and businesses.

A source is asking why the need for this firm if the old rusted metal pipes are being replaced with the new type that have a five-decade lifespan.

Meanwhile, another resident says he does not believe that Sir Robin, who has been “missing in action for months now” said a word on this project.