The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has said that customers in parts of South West Trinidad may be without water until next week.
In a release yesterday, the authority said this is because of an emergency shutdown of the Desalination Company of T&T (Desalcott) plant on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate which began at 6 pm yesterday.
The authority said the shutdown is being done to undertake emergency repairs to a 42 inch diameter raw water pipeline at the facility.
Desalcott supplies WASA with 40 million gallons of water per day.
WASA said yesterday that operations at the plant will ramp down throughout the day and production will halt by 6 pm yesterday.
No time frame has been given for the completion of the repair works.
The authority said it will remain in constant communication with the company on the progress of repairs and will provide an update, as soon as further information becomes available.
Areas affected include:
Central
Caroni, Warrenville, Cunupia, Chaguanas, Caparo, Chase village, Couva, Pt Lisas, California,
Claxton Bay, Plaisance Park, Pointe a Pierre, City of San Fernando, Vistabella, Marabella,
Gasparillo
South West
Union Hall, Pleasantville, Palmiste, Phillipine, Duncan Village, Esperance, Gulf View, Bel Air, La
Romain, South Oropouche, Otaheite, Rousillac, Aripero, parts of La Brea, Avocat, Fyzabad,
parts of Siparia including De Gannes Village and Quarry Village, San Francique, Debe, Syne
Village, Lowkie Trace, Sunrees Road, Mora Dam Road.
WASA has asked that consumers manage their water use efficiently, as it may take up to 48 hours for the supply to normalize to some affected areas, after the plant returns to full operation.
For assistance, customers are encouraged to contact WASA’s Customer Call Centre toll free at 800-4420/26.
A limited truck-borne water service will be available with priority given to special homes, health care and government institutions.
Security at Desalcott advised Guardian that all calls on this matter should be directed to WASA.
As of 5.30 pm WASA did not respond to messages for more information on the damaged mains.
