(CabinetNotes)i. A discussion followed, focused upon the insufficiency of potable water and the promise made by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, on the day preceding, about de-politicizing the issue. He indicated a willingness to join in a non-partisan effort to find solutions to water production, water distribution, and the re-piping of nearly 37 miles of pipes which may be required if the APUA is to bill for a higher percentage of the water distributed. The promise followed an incident in the Parliament during the Monday session. When the Minister of Public Utilities was very close to ending his 15-minute statement on water, under the item called ‘Statement By Ministers’ on the agenda, the Leader of the Opposition insisted that the Minister’s 15-minute allotment had been consumed; he would not allow even two minutes’ extension. The Cabinet therefore asked the Minister to structure the planned experts’ non-partisan meeting that would include, by invitation, the Leader of the Opposition.
ii. The Minister of Public Utilities took time out to re-emphasize the challenges which the APUA Water and Electricity Divisions are facing as the economy grows; more homes and office buildings are constructed, and more cruise vessels enter our Port. The 7.5 million gallons of water which the APUA produces daily is insufficient to meet demand by homes, schools, businesses, government offices, and the many institutions that need significant and growing quantities of the precious substance. Because of the continuing drought, the 40%/60% ratio of R/O water to stored surface and ground water supplies is no longer possible. All potable water now comes from R/O plants. The construction of many more plants and more storage tanks (called ‘reservoirs’) is now necessary, since demand is expanding and supply must grow to meet the growth in the economy which triggers higher water demand.