T&TEC crews wait for floodwater to subside to restore power

Several teams from the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC) are waiting for floodwaters to subside and roads to be cleared before electricity can be restored in different areas across Trinidad.

Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales said the commission was aware of several communities without electricity, but several challenges were preventing the work of technicians.

Noting that floodwaters were still high in several areas, Gonzales said crews dispatched there were waiting for the flooding to subside before beginning their work.

He also noted that roads blocked by debris caused by landslips were also a problem to crews trying to access the communities.

Despite this, Gonzales was optimistic that affected residents would be reconnected as soon as it was safe for technicians to access the affected power lines.

"In Nabee Road, Bamboo No 2, crews were dispatched but unable to access the community owing to high floodwaters.

"In Manzanilla Main Road, Manzanilla, there are 20 homes without electricity. They continue to await receding floodwaters and to have the 20 impacted homes reconnected.

"In Upper Bushe Street, Maitagual, San Juan, landslides and trees continue to block the pathway, preventing crews from restoring electricity supply to three customers.

"In Cedar Grove Road, Mayaro, rising floodwaters continue to impede the T&TEC efforts to restore the supply. Once those floodwaters recede we expect the impacted customers will return to the electricity supply."

Gonzales also reported that 13 water treatment plants were working, with three still facing difficulties.

Referring to the Quarry Water Treatment Plant in Valencia, Gonzales said he anticipated it would return to normal over the next 24 hours and work would be done overnight in Caura.