Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) CEO Ellis Burris has been sent on leave with immediate effect.
Guardian Media understands that Burris is being investigated by WASA chairman Romney Thomas and while the leave is his legitimate accrued vacation, the timing of the leave coincides with issues involving Thomas.
It is unclear what Thomas’ investigations entail but it was independently confirmed that the two are currently at odds over Burris’ actions at WASA.
Contacted yesterday, Public Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunte confirmed Burris was sent on leave but denied claims it was over any upcoming dismissals at WASA. It was being circulated on social media that Burris and Thomas warred over pending mass firings at WASA.
“There is no planned mass dismissal at WASA, so they cannot be warring over that,” Le Hunte said in a brief telephone interview yesterday.
However, Le Hunte, the line minister for the entity, deferred from answering any questions about the nature of Thomas’ investigation into Burris.
“I know he is investigating other matters but I suggest you take it up with him. You should talk with him about that,” Le Hunte said.
Guardian Media messaged Thomas asking about the leave and noting that the minister had referred all questions on the internal investigations to him. However, although he read the Whatsapp messages he did not respond. He also did not respond to calls for his mobile.
But according to an internal memo sent out to staff, which Guardian Media obtained a copy of, Burris was on vacation from December 17 (yesterday) and would be out for the next 12 days.
Former CEO Allan Poon King will act in Burris’ absence. Poon King is also the director of Customer Care at WASA.
Burris also did not respond to calls.