WASA mum on manager’s qualifications

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has stayed clear of commenting on the unaccredited bachelor of science degree obtained by newly promoted telecommunications manager Simon Bahaw. Bahaw’s promotion was reported exclusively in the T&T Guardian on Thursday. Other staff are threatening to withhold their services in light of several employees being sidelined for promotions.

In the release yesterday, the authority attempted to justify the promotion. The authority said WASA and the Public Services Association are currently engaged in a promotion exercise that arose out of a signed Memorandum of Agreement dated July 21, 2011.

As part of the agreement, the release stated, the authority agreed to immediately fill 100 vacant positions on the approved listing and would continue thereafter to fill all remaining vacancies. Not making any mention of the unaccredited degree, the release stated, “Bahaw has been employed with the authority for the past 23 years.

He has worked in the management information services department for the last ten years where he began as a hardware and telecommunications officer. Over this period, Bahaw has been promoted on several occasions based on his knowledge, experience, skills and training.”

According to the release, the promotion exercise began in August 2011 and is intended to regularise employees who have been performing for two years or more in positions higher than their substantive appointments without being permanently appointed to the higher post.