Businesses vex over WASA crackdown

Some business owners have taken to social media to express their discontent over the Water and Sewage Authority’s (WASA) plan to repossess the properties of clients in arrears, calling the action disrespectful and insensitive.

Newsday spoke yesterday to Perry Shade, owner of Shade Construction Company Ltd, who said he was deeply disappointed in the authority’s decision and that the move was particularly damaging at a time when small businesses were struggling to make ends meet. He said the construction industry in particular was hardest hit and faced several challenges in terms of payments on time from clients.

“I saw it as very abusive, because I renovated a health centre in La Horquetta, it’s been more than three years and I haven’t been paid yet. I had to take them to court. I’ve just gotten a judgement where the court ruled in our favour just last Monday.

“We have to go through all this just to get our money. But WASA wants to sell our building for $21,000.” Last month, Shade’s office at the O’Meara Industrial Estate in Arima was advertised for sale in the newspapers by WASA, but he said he paid half the bill and agreed to pay the remainder in instalments.

Yesterday the Chamber of Commerce issued a brief supporting WASA’s intention to seek means of seizing assets, but also urged the authority to hold proper consultations with its clients before taking any action.