Nicholas warned Friday that low standards pose the greatest risk at APUA. Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas said complacency, not ambition, threatens progress. He outlined a leadership approach built on discipline and accountability.

Accordingly, Nicholas spoke at the commissioning of the Barnacle Point reverse osmosis plant. He said leadership must reject minimal performance. Instead, it must aim higher.

“The greatest danger is not that standards are too high,” Nicholas said. “The danger is that standards are too low.” Therefore, he urged APUA to resist complacency.

Moreover, Nicholas said his oversight of public utilities is intentionally demanding. Since taking responsibility, he has pushed APUA to improve. He said the authority must avoid settling for average results.

Additionally, Nicholas described himself as hands-on. He said he speaks often with senior managers. These calls focus on operations, performance, and progress.

“I will remain the unreasonable minister,” Nicholas said. He explained that pressure drives reform. Without it, systems that underperformed for years will not change.

Furthermore, Nicholas linked standards to public accountability. He noted that failures in water supply quickly anger residents. As a result, utility leaders face intense scrutiny.

“When people don’t get water, they don’t want explanations,” he said. Instead, they want solutions. Therefore, leadership must prepare data and answers.

Meanwhile, Nicholas pointed to new infrastructure as part of the solution. The Barnacle Point plant adds two million imperial gallons daily. It supports a broader plan to stabilize supply.

The plant was developed through a partnership. APUA worked with Seven Seas Water Group. Together, they expanded national capacity.

However, Nicholas said infrastructure alone is not enough. Higher standards must guide the next phase. This includes upgrades to transmission and automation.

In addition, he called for changes in institutional culture. He said reform must be sustained. Without cultural change, progress will stall.

“I don’t want to lead by aspiration alone,” Nicholas said. Instead, he wants clear standards. These standards should guide daily decisions.

Ultimately, Nicholas said the goal goes beyond water delivery. He wants a utility that performs under pressure. It must also meet public expectations.

In conclusion, Nicholas stressed that standards define success. He said APUA must rise to meet them. The public, he added, deserves nothing less.

Join the Dadli News WhatsApp Group:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/L04JxtMbG39FLBbxYWlz9T

Join the Dadli News WhatsApp Group:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/L04JxtMbG39FLBbxYWlz9T