MP Haynes Slams WASA for Dry Taps
Today the Member of Parliament for Tabaquite, Ms. Anita Haynes, participated in a long-awaited meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (Ag) of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Mr. Alan Poon King. Ms. Haynes was joined by fellow parliamentary representatives, Mr. Arnold Ram – Member of Parliament for Caroni Central and Mr. Rudranath Indarsingh – Member of Parliament for Couva South.
Today’s meeting sought to identify short term as well as sustainable solutions to the severe water shortage affecting communities throughout the three constituencies. In sharing the woes of constituents, MP Haynes emphasised, “I get calls every day from constituents across the length and breadth of the Tabaquite constituency complaining about a lack of water. For the most part, residents understand the need for scheduling of the water supply and are very willing to work with a schedule. However, even the scheduled delivery does not come to pass. Water is a human right. It is unconscionable that citizens are forced to face dry taps for weeks and months on end.”
Ms. Haynes also noted that citizens continue to pay their bills while advocating respectfully for the much-need reprieve. This sentiment was echoed by both MP Ram and MP Indarsingh who also commented on the need for increased communication on the part of this essential state agency. The Member of Parliament for Couva South noted that approximately 20 000 residents of his constituency had been without water over the past 12 days. Similarly, MP Arnold Ram made reference to a recent protest during which the constituents of Caroni Central expressed their complete frustration with this ongoing issue.
WASA’s CEO, Mr. Alan Poon King, indicated that the Authority, despite its many challenges, is working diligently to address these issues. Mr. King revealed that two severe dry seasons have resulted in reservoir levels dropping to record lows. This is compounded by an astonishing 45-50% of water being unaccounted for, a great deal of which is lost as a result of leaks.
Fortunately, with respect to short term relief measures, constituents can expect an improved 14-day rotation as well as increases in the truck borne water supply. All citizens are encouraged to utilise WASA’s WhatsApp hotline to make requests. Deliveries are expected to take place within 4-5 days of making the request.
Moreover, Mr. King revealed that the Authority will be making a request to the Ministry of Public Utilities for increased funding to embark on projects that will benefit all three constituencies as well as other communities in Central Trinidad. These projects include additional pipelines from Indian Trail to Gran Couva (1.7km) in addition to a 2km project from Milton Road to Balmain.
Citizens can lodge complaints to the Water and Sewerage Authority via the channels below:
Email: customercomplaints@wasa.gov.tt
WhatsApp: 1(868)709-7793