Hike in commercial water rate is unjust, Pringle says, given the tax increases that businesses are already paying

With businesses expected to pay more for water as of next week,
Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle says the rate increase is
unjust, given that the commodity is not received on any regular
basis.
 
Commencing April 1, 2024, the rate for the commercial sector
moves from 50 per thousand gallons to 60 per thousand gallons;
cruise port moves from 50 per thousand gallons to 75; while bulk
sales move from 50 to 60 per thousand gallons.
 
As justification, the Water Business Unit of the Antigua Public
Utilities Authority (APUA) has said that the current water rates have
been maintained for more than three decades.
 
Therefore, as the Authority continues to expand its network and
update its aged infrastructure, APUA says it has become
indispensable to adjust its billing rates to offset production,
distribution, operating and capital costs.
 
However, Pringle says this hike is unconscionable, as businesses are
now paying a plethora of tax increases, including the 2 percent on
the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST).
 
He says the Government first needs to improve its delivery to ensure
that water is received on a 24-hour basis before putting a greater
burden on consumers.

With the amount of money already spent on trying to resolve the
water problem, citizens and residents should have daily pipe-borne
water, the Opposition leader believes.
 
Now, the Government is entering into agreements with a private
American company and the Government of Japan in an effort to
address the problem –
even though there are many Reverse Osmosis Plants across the
country.
 
Commenting on this, Pringle says the Browne Administration should
allow another party to take the reins of office, as it has been unable
to put proper mechanisms in place to handle the water crisis.

Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle.