APUA has suspended preparatory works for Antigua and Barbuda’s subsea cable project after materials were deliberately set on fire. Moreover, telecoms crews arrived at the Old Road site on Friday, 12 December, to find conduits and other installed equipment destroyed. Early estimates place the damage in the thousands of dollars.

The Authority strongly condemned the incident. Furthermore, it warned that rising tensions in the area are putting workers and nearby residents at risk. The fire follows a week of disruptions. On Wednesday, 10 December, APUA staff were present during an unrelated confrontation between residents and the Development Control Authority.

Crews attempted to resume work the next day. However, tensions forced them to withdraw again, prompting a full suspension. The civil works involve trenching, installing conduits, and building a beach manhole and equipment shelter to support the subsea cable landing.

Additionally, road cutting at Morris Bay has caused a temporary traffic diversion. APUA said repeated interruptions have prolonged the inconvenience. The Authority apologized and said work will resume once the site is secure. Moreover, APUA remains committed to community engagement and urges calm as restoration efforts continue.

APUA noted that it held a town hall meeting with Old Road residents on 14 October. At the meeting, feedback on the project was largely positive. Furthermore, the subsea cable is considered a major investment to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s digital infrastructure and economy.

The project is expected to be operational in 2027. Meanwhile, APUA continues monitoring the site and coordinating with local authorities to prevent further disruptions. Additionally, officials reaffirmed the importance of the cable for national connectivity, business growth, and improved communication services.

Despite recent setbacks, APUA emphasized its commitment to completing the project safely and on schedule. Moreover, the Authority urged residents to cooperate to ensure smooth progress, highlighting that the subsea cable will benefit the entire country.

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