WASA: Repair work caused supply disruption in Mayaro

On Wednesday, hours after Mayaro MP Rushton Paray called on the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to address constituents' "lingering water distribution issues," the state-owned company said Mayaro's water supply was being restored.

A media statement from WASA on Wednesday afternoon said the pipe-borne supply was being restored after recent disruptions. These included a planned disruption at the Navet water treatment plant on Tuesday for maintenance works at the TCO Booster Station.

This was preceded by emergency repairs to two ruptures on the 20-inch diameter transmission pipeline on Tabaquite Road, Rio Claro, on Friday and Tuesday.

The statement said the issues affected the rotational schedule in the Mayaro area last weekend.

The rotation system, which includes service for Mile End from Tuesday-Thursday. For Balata, Mafeking, and Cedar Grove, it is from Thursday-Friday, and at Cascadoux and Kernaham from Friday-Saturday.

Rabita, Rest House, Ortoire, and Coconut Grove rotation is set for Saturday and Sunday. It is from Sunday to Monday for Alexis, Panhandle, Solomon Street, and Peter Hills. The rotation for St Ann's and Begorat is set for Monday and Tuesday.

WASA said it has also increased its truck-borne service to the area and has been providing a supplemental truck service, focusing on customers at elevated points or the extremities of the distribution system.

The statement added, "The authority also continues to maintain open lines of communication with customers, parliamentary and local government representatives, regarding service to customers in the area and the provision of a supplemental truck borne service where required."

Earlier in the day, the MP criticised what he called WASA's inefficiencies, stemming from unresolved engineering challenges, for the disruption.

The Opposition MP expressed his "unwavering support" for the actions of the residents of Union Village, who, before dawn, blocked some roads with burning debris to highlight the water woes.

"The San Pedro Booster has been a problematic source, with WASA grappling with acute pressure complications, making it arduous to ensure water reaches Mayaro and its adjoining communities," Paray said. "Despite my consistent appeals over several months, imploring WASA to bolster the quantity and regularity of water trucking services to compensate for these distribution challenges, the response has been, regrettably, lacklustre."

Paray said he has continuously been urging the Public Utilities Minister to allocate funds for three particular projects to rectify the problems.

These aree launching the Petro Guaya Service, commissioning a new water treatment plant, and constructing a 14-inch line from Navet to Tableland.

Paray added: "It's time for the minister to display resolute commitment, ensuring these projects transition from mere proposals to tangible solutions for the Mayaro constituency."

Over 20 people protested for water at Woodland early on Wednesday.