Citizens cry for water

File photo. Photo by Jeff Mayers
File photo. Photo by Jeff Mayers

People from East, South and Central Trinidad have taken to WASA’s Facebook page to vent their frustration over a lack of water, even as WASA admitted a big shortfall in water from the Point Lisas desalination plant, which the Government promised to address by tomorrow.

A Williamsville mother lamented having had no water for two weeks. “It is now affecting work. I can’t even bathe so I’m now dependent on a neighbour or friend to open up their home to allow my kids, elderly mother and me to at least shower.”

She feared what will happens when her neighbours’ water runs out.

“Buying food is making my money run low. Please, please, please. Ah begging for water.”

Another woman said, “I cannot function. Best I stay in bed until the water returns!”

“Felicity still does not have water; six days and counting,” another woman complained.

“No water South Oropouche 10 days,” another said.

“First you all said 24 to 48 hours, but now no water in Princes Town going on two weeks,” a man complained.

A Fyzabad resident implored, “No water. Not a drop since July 17. Please, at least send water for 1 day.”

A WASA statement blamed reduced production at Pt Lisas that was affecting areas of central and southwest Trinidad.

“Current production at the plant is 25 million gallons daily (mgd) as compared to a capacity of 40 mgd.”

A delay in ramping up its production meant WASA has continued its redistribution of water supplies from its Caroni and Navet water treatment plants to supplement the desalination plant.

It said, “Customers in the affected areas are again encouraged to manage their water use efficiently.”

For details, customers can call 800-4420/26, said WASA, which also apologised.

So did Minister of Public Utilities Robert Le Hunte, who told Newsday a mechanical part for the Desalcott plant was due to be flown in from Finland on Tuesday night, after which he expected a better water supply by tomorrow.

He said a ten-20 million-gallon-per-day shortfall had disrupted supplies to Central and South Trinidad.

While the national supply was curbed by as much as a quarter, he said WASA had sent out a tremendous number of trucks, especially to schools and hospitals. He implored those with a supply not to waste water, and urged people to use the WASA app to report leaks.

He also said again, "I urge everyone to conserve as much as possible as we go into the harsh dry season next year," adding, "I had set a target last January to get WASA's leaks from 2,600 to under 1,000, about a 70 per cent reduction. Right now we are on target."

Le Hunte was proud that most of the ongoing "massive reduction" in leaks was being done by WASA's staff, not contractors, so saving money.

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"Citizens cry for water"

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