An audit of the money spent by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority
(APUA) to address its water issues is warranted, says MP-Elect
Kelvin “Shugy” Simon.
Reportedly, the Gaston Browne Administration has borrowed over
$160 million to resolve the ongoing water crisis. However, the
regular distribution of pipe-borne water remains a challenge for the
Authority.
Therefore, in addition to a review of the Authority’s spending, Simon
is encouraging all residents to demand public consultations on
solutions to the crisis, echoing a proposal advanced by Leader of the
Opposition Jamale Pringle.
The UPP has suggested that the Lower House appoint a bipartisan
Select Committee that would convene public discussions with
officials from APUA.
“Out of this collaboration, greater transparency would emerge,”
Simon says, “as Members of Parliament would have an opportunity
to discuss comprehensive solutions… .
“This is how you hold the government accountable,” he says.
The St. Mary’s South MP says the Party needs the support of the
people to demand greater accountability from the Browne
Administration as it pertains to the APUA situation.
Accordingly, he says, he is eagerly looking forward to his return to
Parliament to take part in these important deliberations and to help
identify the best solutions to improve water management.
In the meantime, the Government cannot solve the water problem
simply by blaming others, Simon says.
And the recent removal of Esworth Martin, APUA’s former general
manager – while Minister Melford Nicholas and the APUA Board
remain in place – will not correct the issue, either, he adds.
Hence, Simon is challenging PM Browne to engage all stakeholders
immediately, so they can work to find modern solutions to the
crisis, and to stop making the matter a personal issue.
