The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), in partnership with Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG), has officially launched the Ffryes Beach seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant. The new facility, capable of producing 1 million imperial gallons of water per day, will provide essential water supply to surrounding communities. It is strategically located next to APUA’s existing plant at Ffryes Beach.
This project marks the first of two SWRO desalination plants announced under the Water-as-a-Service® (WaaS®) agreement between APUA and SSWG in March 2024. Once both plants are fully operational, they are expected to collectively deliver up to 3 million IMGD of potable water daily across Antigua. The second facility, to be situated near APUA’s Ivan Rodriguez plant, is scheduled to begin operations in the third quarter of this year. The two plants are designed to secure a reliable supply of safe drinking water for the next 12 years.
Highlighting the project’s significance, Honourable Melford Nicholas, Minister of Information, Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities, and Energy, shared:
"I am highly impressed by the speed at which the teams from APUA and SSWG have worked to bring this plant online in just 10 months after contract signing. This additional volume will be critical for Antigua, marking the beginning of our ambitious efforts to provide reliable water island-wide. My sincere thanks to the teams at APUA and SSWG."
John Bradshaw, General Manager of APUA, voiced his excitement about the milestone: "With growing demand from tourism, cruise ships, and residents, I am thrilled to expand our capacity for high-quality, reliable drinking water. The Water-as-a-Service® model aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver affordable, safe and dependable water while enabling rapid expansion. Thanks to everyone involved, and I look forward to continuing this journey."
Henry Charrabé, CEO of Seven Seas Water Group, praised the collaboration with local partners: "We are honored to support Minister Nicholas and APUA’s commitment to expanding and improving local water infrastructure. Delivering this plant in less than a year underscores our ability to deploy water solutions quickly and efficiently. We look forward to further strengthening our presence in the region and continuing to provide sustainable, long-term Water-as-a-Service® solutions for the people of Antigua."
With the successful completion of the Ffryes Beach plant, Antigua moves closer to achieving long-term water security and meeting the increasing demands of its residents and visitors alike.
