We live in a country that struggles with corruption and integrity issues. As citizens we ask for basic accountability in that we don't usually request too much detail but at least let us know where our money is going. One specific area of deep concern is that WASA has failed to produce any financial statements audited or otherwise since 2010.
I listened in amazement as the Deputy Chairman of WASA attempted to dance his way around the Board's negligence in the submission of any financials to the public. After a series of questions from the chairman of the Parliament's Joint Select Committee MP Colm Imbert, there was no solid position on the status of the financials. It almost seems like WASA is having its own exclusive "water party" with less than four months away from the proroguing of Parliament.
Dr Rowley asked the question at the Waterfront in 2014: "How does the agency intend to make an unacceptable situation acceptable?" The response at the time from Minister Ganga Singh was that 2010's audited statements are ready and would be made available while 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 will be presented in February 2015. To date none of the financials have been presented. This position remains unacceptable and open to speculation.
According to the 2015 Budget Statement from the Ministry of Finance and the Economy, WASA received a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank of US$120m or TT$.75 billion. This is intended to undertake sufficient developmental works to fulfill a very ambitious campaign promise of 100 per cent water supply, 24 hours a day.
How is this money being spent and why is there no overall accountability and transparency in WASA's affairs? Additionally, how will this affect T&T's relationship with the Inter-American Development Bank?
If there is an underlying issue of incompetence or corruption, what recourse do we have as taxpaying citizens of this country? We see all these illustrious advertisements on billboards, television and newspapers but the fact remains that the public is in the dark on how WASA conducts it's financial affairs.
It is disturbing and totally unacceptable for us to go five years or an entire political term without any financial reports on a state owned agency.
Ronald Huggins
St Joseph