MP Benjamin: The PNM politicization of water must end

Member of Parliament for Moruga/Tableland, Ms. Michelle Benjamin, MP,

As the elected Member of Parliament for Moruga/Tableland I am focused on serving all of my constituents without bias. It is in this regard I have been working tirelessly to ensure all of the residents in my constituency can access a reliable supply of water.

It is therefore distressing to learn that WASA has conducted site visits to the Samuel Cooper area to replace pipelines, with the PNM candidate for the contested Lengua Indian Walk district being specially invited to attend. There were even WhatsApp messages being sent out advising residents to come to the site but not wear red or the PNM logo. Meanwhile, WASA chose to not provide my office with any details of these site visits.

While I am pleased that after much lobbying the pipelines in Samuel Cooper are finally being replaced, I am distressed that WASA has seemingly joined in a political campaign using water as an inducement for votes.

Water is a precious commodity and access to safe drinking water is a human right that everyone regardless of political affiliation is entitled to. Furthermore, it is improper for a state agency to become the campaign tool of a political party.

I strongly advise WASA to focus on its stated purpose, which is to provide a reliable supply of water to all areas of Moruga/ Tableland as well as throughout the nation and spend less time being a political pawn.

Additionally, I am calling on WASA to take disciplinary actions against Mr. Rheal Thomas as it is alleged that his political indebtedness is beyond removal from the PNM’s nest; I have made several reports of this nature about Mr. Thomas to Senior WASA officials.