Sascha Wilson
Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) was disappointed at last Sunday’s protest by Cedros residents and said in a media release yesterday that the action did not help the situation.
WASA also took issue with the local government representatives who supported the protest, stating that they are aware of the challenges and the measures being taken to address water problems in the district.
After being without pipe-borne water for two weeks, residents burned tyres in front of the Granville Water Treatment Plant. They also complained that some parts of Cedros have had no water for months.
However, WASA explained that the Granville plant produces only 50 per cent of the water required to adequately service communities on the southwest peninsula, from Cedros to Icacos.
To address this shortfall, several new wells have been identified for development, one of which will be completed before the end of the year, and another three in 2024. In addition, WASA has been implementing measures to manage the current supply deficit and provide equitable service to all the customers serviced by the Granville plant.
On October 4, WASA shifted the supply from areas that receive water 24/7, such as Syfoo Trace, Syfoo Road, Coromandel Extension Road, and parts of Pt Coco, to boost the supply to Fullerton, Columbus Bay and Icacos which are at the extremities of the distribution system. On the day of the protest, the water supply was switched from Icacos back to Granville.
WASA said its personnel have been in regular communication with customers and the local government representative throughout the process of making these amendments to supply, and they have been kept abreast of all the measures, rationale, and intended outcomes.
In addition, the truck-borne service to the area has been increased and a supplemental truck service was provided, with particular focus on customers at the extremities of the distribution system.
“It is unfortunate that certain parties, including local government representatives, have opted to take such action, especially because they were all made aware of the challenges and the steps being taken to address them. Actions of this sort do nothing to help the situation,” WASA said, adding that it remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication with local government representatives.
In response, Cedros councillor Shankar Teelucksingh said it was disappointing that WASA decided to send out a press release and also attack him, rather than address the hardships of residents. He claimed some parts of Icacos, Fullerton and the high areas in Granville are still without a pipe-borne water supply.
Teelucksingh said he and a representative for the residents will likely have a meeting with WASA officials next week.