Barbados Today

ST JOHN’S – Prime Minister Gaston Browne is promising to eliminate community standpipes in Antigua & Barbuda.

Browne, who was speaking at the sod turning ceremony for the Multi-Purpose Community Centre in Gray’s Green on Wednesday night, said Cabinet is to meet tomorrow where the decision will be taken.

“There are individuals still going to the public pipes for water. We will fix that. In fact, when we meet in Cabinet on Saturday we will take a decision to eliminate all standpipes throughout the country and to make sure that we provide

pipe-borne water in the homes of every single Antiguan & Barbudan,” Browne said.

Meantime, Sports Minister EP “Chet” Greene promised jobs to construct the community centre will be given to those from the community first.

“And so [yesterday] morning those of you who have heavy-duty equipment, find Wesley James of Public Works or Minister Teco Lake.

For the young men in this community who are not working and who desire work on this project, find Public Works because the jobs are first and foremost yours,” he said.

Greene also pledged that those who work in the area currently will not be displaced by the new centre.

Chief Architect Wesley James added that Senator Londel Benjamin is expected to provide names of individuals who could be employed in the demolition process.