MINISTER of Public Utilities Barry Padarath has mandated the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to expand leak detection and repair nationwide aggressively as it intensifies its Leak Management Programme at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.
A Ministry of Public Utilities release on January 13 said WASA has partnered closely with the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (Plipdeco) over the last month to identify and address several long-standing leaks within the estate.
It said joint technical inspections confirmed 15 major leaks, nine of which are affecting high-demand petrochemical, ammonia, methanol, steel, and gas-processing facilities. Some of these leaks, it said, persisted for up to six years, largely due to underground congestion and access challenges. Collectively, these failures resulted in an estimated six million imperial gallons per day (IMGD) in water losses, representing hundreds of millions of dollars in treated water wasted, while communities across Central and South Trinidad endured low pressures and rotation schedules. Five of these major leaks are currently under active repair, with works being strategically sequenced to safely navigate underground hazards, including high-pressure gas pipelines, hydrogen and carbon dioxide manifolds, high-voltage T&TEC circuits, and telecommunications infrastructure.
The leaks identified were at the Corner of Atlantic and Pacific Avenue, Atlantic Avenue and Caspian Drive (Triangle), West of Atlantic Avenue and Caspian Drive (Triangle), LP #7 Amazon Drive (TSTT), LP #9 Amazon Drive, Methanex Driveway, Caribbean Drive, AUM Plant North, Caribbean Drive, South of Nu Iron, Caribbean Drive, and one at Brechin Castle requiring shutdown and heavy excavation. It said a preliminary investigation was ongoing into this major leak.
“It is deeply concerning that many of these leaks were reported to WASA as far back as 2020 and left unattended by the former WASA administration under the PNM government, despite the growing strain on national water supplies and the hardship faced by thousands of residential customers,” the release said.
Minister Padarath emphasised that engineering complexity is not a justification for neglect.
“While citizens were asked to accept water shortages, known leaks of national significance were ignored for years. This government has the political will to confront inherited failures, no matter how complex, and to protect water security for households, communities, and industry alike.”
The ministry said the repairs are expected to be completed by the end of January.
Padarath said: “Leak management is a part of the multi-dimensional approach to achieving our Water for All mandate. This is what responsible governance looks like: confronting inherited failures, fixing what was ignored, and putting water back where it belongs in the taps of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Meanwhile, a post on Padarath’s Facebook page on January 14 said the minister, through WASA, established four tank farms in Penal with a combined storage capacity of 80,000 gallons. It said the short to medium term measure would bring relief to the people of Penal, ensuring water for all.
THE EDITOR: I thank the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) for its wonderful Christmas Day gift. It was a gift that keeps on taking.
At exactly 6 o’clock on Christmas morning, WASA turned off the water supply for its paying customers in Mt Hope.
It returned around 2 pm on Boxing Day and was turned off again around 6 pm, after trickling for most of the four hours.
It returned around 6 am – via a very slow trickle – on December 27 and left around 11 am.
It is now 12.15 pm on December 28 at the time of writing and we are still waiting for water to return.
WASA’s website has nothing about any service interruptions in our area.
When you call its 800-LEAK number, the customer service representatives have nothing to report on the cause of the problem.
WASA’s Corporate Communications Department, now headed by Kristy Ramnarine-Bakr, is clearly having a wonderful holiday season, because paying clients are to be treated like scum, as far as WASA’s management is concerned.
There is no courtesy, whatsoever, extended to its paying customers, when the water supply is to be cut.
WASA’s chairman of the board Roshan Babwah, acting CEO Dain Maharaj and acting director of customer care Ellen Lewis must take a page from the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC) on how to properly run a public utility.
They should pay extra attention as to how T&TEC treats its paying customers.
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced Dain Maharaj as the acting CEO of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).
She made the statement in response to a question from Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales during the December 9 sitting of the House of Representatives.
“The person appointed to act as CEO of WASA is a person who was and still is an employee of WASA and his name is Mr Dain Maharaj.”
Gonzales also asked why the former CEO of WASA, Jeevan Joseph, was sent on administrative leave. Joseph held the position for five months.
The Prime Minister said the question was asked under a false premise.
“The last acting CEO of WASA was never sent on administrative leave, so the question does not arise. That person tendered his resignation, citing personal reasons, so it’s a false premise on which the question is based.”
PUBLIC Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has insisted government has no plans to fire workers at the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). He made this comment before the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives approved a budgetary allocation of $3,270,777074 to his ministry.
Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, a former public utilities minister, recalled in the 2010-2015 period, the then UNC-led People’s Partnership coalition had a plan to fire 30,000 workers. He said the PNM thwarted that plan when it assumed office in September 7, 2015, and developed a transformation plan to make WASA more efficient.
Gonzales added that initiative has resulted in large sectors of the population receiving an improved water supply.
Padarath said this was not what the UNC found after it won the April 28 general election.
“Billions (of dollars) spent on transformation that yielded no results.”
He claimed this resulted in millionaires being created overnight.
Padarath said, “This resulted in one member and those associated with members in this House, receiving hefty state contracts in Cepep and WASA which is on the public record.”
He added Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s physical ripping up of a copy of the PNM’s WASA transformation plan in May was evidence of the UNC’s commitment to keep WASA workers employed and make the company more financially viable.
“This administration is hell-bent on keeping WASA employees in their jobs.”
Padarath said, “We are working hand in hand with the PSA (Public Services Association).”
The PSA represents the majority of WASA’s workers and is a member of the UNC’s “coalition of interests” that contested the election. Former PSA president Leroy Baptiste is Labour Minister and a government senator.
Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young and Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert asked Padarath whether any workers will be dismissed from WASA. They asked their questions after Padarath indicated there will be a review of National Insurance System (NIS) contributions to the authority.
Padarath maintained this review will not cause any WASA job losses.
Young disagreed with him and also observed Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo was wearing a green tie.
He said, “You are going to slash. No amount of green tie by the minister of finance for the PSA is going to help.”
The PSA’s colour is green.
Padarath said the PNM abused WASA workers for the nine years they were in government.
‘They kept a guillotine over the heads of WASA workers.” Padarath claimed there were vacancies at WASA and some people acted in positions for 20-30 years.
Imbert asked Padarath about a $50 million reduction with respect to contract employment at WASA. He asked how would vacant posts be filled if the number of contract workers was being reduced.
Imbert said, “I’d like to know. That’s mathematically impossible.”
Speaker Jagdeo Singh advised Imbert this question was asked and answered.
Padarath objected to Imbert directing his answers.
“You can’t determine how I answer my question.”
Padarath recalled inefficiencies in the public utilities sector.
Imbert told Padarath he did not need a history lesson.
Padarath suggested Imbert see a psychiatrist.
Singh appealed to government and opposition MPs to maintain order.
St Ann’s East MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly objected to Padarath claiming PNM MPs were engaging in hooliganism.
Young said Padarath had breached House standing order 48 (4) by using insulting language against opposition MPs.
He called on Singh to make a ruling and for Padarath to withdraw his statement.
Padarath said, “That’s not offensive. It is the truth.”
Singh told MPs, “I’m overruling it. Let’s go on.”
Imbert and Padarath argued over whether Diego Martin North/East or Siparia was the constituency that received the lowest water supply. Persad-Bissessar is the Siparia MP. Padarath claimed WASA’s record’s show Siparia has the poorest water supply out of all 41 constituencies.
San Fernando East MP Brian Manning asked Padarath if any former Cepep workers would be absorbed under any programme under the ministry. Padarath, who was the line minister for Cepep, said the question did not arise.
He reminded opposition MPs that government launched a National Recruitment Drive and phase one was designed to create 20,000 jobs. Padarath advised them to stay tuned to the drive’s subsequent phases.
In his budget presentation in the House on October 13, Tancoo announced the termination of Cepep and URP.
He said government is committed to ending state-funding of criminal gangs by eliminating both programmes and “replacing them with providing full-time, better paid jobs.”
Tancoo said. “To this end, I have established an Employment Fund in the Ministry of Finance with $475 million.”
FOLLOWING a Sunday Newsday Page 1 story, on June 29, on an illegal quarrying site in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, then newly-minted Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro visited the site in July, and the operation was shut down.
However, in a shocking development, on October 9 – just three months after his initial visit – Guevarro returned to the same location, this time declaring that the police was shutting down for good, a multimillion-dollar illegal quarrying outfit that included modern machinery which cleared acres of virgin forests, bit into hills and the ground, chewed up tonnes of earth and rock and converted them into aggregate worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
This development follows a series of public warnings and an in-depth investigation by Newsday.
In March 2025, the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) issued a statement condemning illegal quarrying operations polluting the Guanapo River.
WASA said a contractor had been discharging effluent directly into drains feeding the river, visibly discolouring the watercourse and threatening operations of the Caroni Water Treatment Plant which provides potable water to hundreds of thousands of people.
While the plant continued to meet safety standards, WASA warned this was not an isolated event. Similar incidents in 2021 had forced service disruptions.
Despite the severity of the warning, no significant enforcement action was taken in the months that followed.
QUARRYING OPERATIONS UNEARTHED
Then in June, Sunday Newsday published a detailed exposé uncovering the scale of the illegal quarrying. On June 25, officers from the Multi-Agency Task Force, an elite police unit, were alerted to the activity and a report was swiftly delivered to Commissioner Guevarro.
That Newsday investigation alleged the operator, based in Sangre Grande, had illegally excavated more than five hectares of state land, moving tonnes of aggregate on to nearby private property.
The operator, who did not possess a mining licence, was also linked to quarrying activities in Melajo, Matura, Wallerfield, and other areas.
These operations – which saw acres of virgin forests denuded, untold numbers of wildlife displaced and many rivers polluted and turned into slush ponds – continued for years under the watch of the Ministry of Energy (the line ministry for mining), the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Forestry Division, with little to no intervention
Sources claimed the operator had political connections across major parties and used profits from illegal quarrying to fund real estate developments and other legitimate business ventures.
On June 27, Newsday shared its findings with WASA. The following day, WASA issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the “reckless and unlawful” discharge of effluent into tributaries leading to the Guanapo River.
WASA INTERVENES
WASA said the pollution already compromised water-production efficiency at the Caroni plant, forcing the authority to implement additional purification measures to maintain safety standards. The agency confirmed it was working with other regulatory bodies to halt the activity.
In response to mounting public concern, widespread media attention and social media condemnation, Commissioner Guevarro led a “targeted operation” on July 2, visiting illegal quarrying sites in Sangre Grande, Valencia and Manuel Congo.
A TTPS press release on July 3 confirmed the raid, acknowledging the serious environmental and infrastructural impacts of illegal quarrying, including disruptions to WASA’s operations. The release also noted that investigations were underway to determine the extent of any criminal conduct linked to the sites.
Following the police operation, the Guanapo site appeared to have ceased activity.
This however, was short-lived, as operations not only resumed but were expanded to the point that when the police led a raid on October 9, the plant was complete with modern quarrying facilities including motorised conveyor belts, aggregate washing facilities and specialised heavy machinery.
It remains to be seen where investigations will lead, as police confirmed that at least 19 people were arrested in the October 9 raid, including the owner of the Manuel Congo illegal quarry who police described as the “big boss” of illegal quarrying in the country.
THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) said there has been an unforeseen delay in the completion of interconnection works along Railway Road, Sangre Grande, which will affect customers in parts of north-east Trinidad served by the North Oropouche Water Treatment Plant.
In a media release on October 5, WASA said the works are expected to be completed by 6 pm that day, but it may take up to 24 hours for the supply to normalise to some affected areas.
Affected areas include: Sangre Grande (town), Sangre Chiquito, Manzanilla, Coalmine, Guaico/Guaico Tamana, Malabar Phases 1, 3 and 4, Tumpuna Road, San Rafael, Brazil, La Horquetta, Carapo/O’Meara Road, Signature Park/Mausica Road, Maloney Gardens, Five Rivers, Millennium Park, Sunrise Park and Golden Grove Road.
For further information, assistance, or to request a truck-borne delivery, customers were advised to contact WASA’s Customer Call Centre toll-free at 800-4420/26.
WASA said it regretted any inconvenience caused and thanked customers for their patience and understanding.
AS Tobago continues to be plagued with challenges with the availability of water, officials of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) say they have a short-term plan, which takes effect October 3, and a long-term solution.
At a tour of the Courland Water Treatment Plant on October 1 in Plymouth, WASA’s CEO Jeevan Joseph acknowledged the suffering of the Crown Point district and said water supply will be diverted from elsewhere to ease the plight of residents and businesses.
Meteorologist II Trevis Gardiner said the island is experiencing way below the average amount of rainfall expected in the month of September.
He said, “One positive is that the climate section of the MET service recently would have given the outlook for October to December and they’re expecting a slight uptick in the amount of rainfall or precipitation that we would get on the island, and that is based on climatic factors.
“However, after that we transition into the dry season. Being that we are at this time of the year and we’re already experiencing water issues or we are seeing the low amount of rainfall we got from September – it’s not a positive sign.”
Joseph said having met with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and his executive council, a way forward has been charted.
“We identified the problems that occurred, which was low rainfall levels and the low river levels and the Courland Water Treatment plant. Also, we had mechanical and electrical problems with our intake pumps and our high-lift pumps.”
He said though the latter issue has been addressed, the challenges remain.
“We still remain with the low levels, which we have to deal with. One of the ways we’re going to be dealing with that is that we plan to redirect water from other supply zones to help the south-west Tobago community. We will also publish temporary schedules, which will be updated on a weekly basis and published.”
He said with the October carnival approaching, the authority will be amend the schedule, redirecting water from other supply zones into the south-west communities to mitigate the excess demand created by the increase in visitors.
“With that, we think we charted a way forward and had some mitigation solutions.”
Speaking with the media prior to the tour, Augustine denied rumours of nefarious activities causing the low water supply.
“It is not because Brian (Williams – head of WASA Tobago Affairs) wicked, why you’re not getting water. It is not because Kamla (Persad-Bissessar PM) spiting we, why you’re not getting water. It is not because WASA doing what they’re doing, why you’re not getting water. It is a case where we just don’t have enough.”
Tobago West MP Joel Sampson Joel Sampson said he has been plagued with calls and messages on the issue. He said the island has had little to no rainfall over the past couple of months.
“Here in Tobago, we rely heavily on ground water supply to feed to areas in need, especially in south-west where we have the influx of foreigners, local guests from time to time.”
He said officials “have been trying their best to ensure that we receive some sort of supply. There are some areas which will be affected by the changes in terms of the schedules.”
Crown Point, Lowlands businesses frustrated
On October 2, Newsday spoke to several business owners in Crown Point and Lowlands about how the water supply is affecting them.
Lowlands chicken farmer Jesse David describes the past month as frustrating.
“This is the first time water has gone basically for a whole month, without any form of warning, without any form of notification – nothing like that.”
He said his chicken business has been hit hard as there was no water supply feed the animals.
He said he has had to tote in his own supply to keep the chickens alive.
Restaurant owner at Shore Things Cafe in Lambeau, Gisselle Beauburn, said, “We have been lucky that we didn’t have to (temporarily) close down, which in previous years we have had to. This has not happened recently, but the regularity of low pressure or no pressure is a bit much.”
She said in 2024 a similar water problem caused her to shut her doors. However, she has bought multiple tanks and pumps. She said WASA has been very responsive to their needs with a truck-borne supply.
Kay Trotman, owner of Native Abode guesthouse in Crown Point, said she braced herself for a reoccurrence after her experience last year.
“I have a whole tank farm – I have more than six 5,000-gallon tanks, so I have really not felt the effects of this issue, personally. Water comes from the main to my tanks and then to my property, so I’m good.”
Trotman, head of the Bed and Breakfast association, said other establishments have not been so fortunate and are feeling the pinch.
“One property has had to shut down some of his rooms. He had ten rooms and now only five are operating and he has people in-house. He is still being impacted at this time.”
On October 1, Augustine told members of the media that he visited the plant to get a first-hand view.
“Importantly, we discussed long-term solutions. We were here in 2024, so the real talking point for us is getting beyond treating with this temporarily to solving this problem permanently.”
He recalled that in 2024 under the previous central government, lands were provided at the Lure Estate for the construction of the water treatment facility at Goldsborough.
“We’ve always been partnering with WASA regardless of who is in power at the central government.
“We were advised that that project is on schedule to be completed some time around July next year – that’s part of the long-term solution, because that will allow us to collect water from that middle region in Goldsborough and be able to free up some of the supplies in Hillsborough and be able to send the water from Richmond further East and allow us to transport more water towards Tobago West where the challenge is primarily.”
He said, in addition, WASA is advanced in its planning for desalination in the Charlotteville area.
“We know that’s an area that forever has been without and so we’re looking at how that can solve the problem there.”
THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) says permanent road restoration on the Beetham Highway, Sea Lots, where an eight-inch main ruptured and a sink-hole developed, will be carried out by September 10.
WASA said it received reports of the burst main around 1 pm on September 8 and immediately deployed a repair crew but the job was complex with underground lines from T&TEC and NGC near the damaged pipe.
“The repairs were completed and the roadway temporarily restored at approximately 5 am on September 8, with the interim reinstatement works resuming at 6 pm.
“The authority assures motorists and the travelling public that these restoration works will not disrupt the normal flow of traffic,” WASA said in a statement on September 8.
VANDALS have stolen electrical cables belonging to the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) over the weekend, disrupting service in parts of Penal.
The incident happened at Scott’s Road Well #1 overnight on September 6.
A statement from WASA on September 7 said the vandals had removed electrical wires and control equipment components.
WASA said it “strongly condemns” this act of vandalism, which has affected the supply to about 4,000 consumers along Penal Rock Road.
The authority said major electrical repairs are needed to restore the facility and are expected to be completed by 8 pm on September 9.
It said customers in several areas may experience low pressure or no water at times.
These include Boodoo’s Development, along Penal Rock Road from Scott’s Road Junction to Morne Diablo Junction, Scott’s Road proper and Morne Diablo proper.
WASA encouraged the public to report all acts of vandalism or suspicious activities at WASA’s installations to its customer contact centre, toll-free at 800-4420/4426, or to the police.
FORMER Public Utilities minister and Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales has called for the removal of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) CEO and its communications manager after emergency repairs to a leak on the morning of September 8 – the first day of school – caused heavy traffic and frustration to many commuters.
Jeevan Joseph is WASA’s acting CEO and Glen Singh is the authority’s acting head of information and communications, while communications expert Ellen Lewis returned to the authority as the co-ordinator of its customer care division.
In a Facebook post, Gonzales said, “Remove your incompetent CEO and your new communications manager that were brought back in the authority.”
He said Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath should take full responsibility for the “incompetence” exhibited by WASA executives that resulted in the traffic pile-up.
Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales. – File photo
In news reports on September 8, Padarath called for a full report on the matter. Padarath also said the authority should have communicated more effectively with the public about the severity of the leak along the Beetham Highway.
Gonzales’ post said this inconvenienced thousands of commuters heading into Port of Spain.
In the afternoon, WASA advised drivers using the west-bound lane of the Beetham Highway that there would be a disruption to the flow of traffic between 6.30-10 pm.
“This is in order to carry out road reinstatement works in the area of recently completed emergency pipeline repairs. The works that will be carried out will be temporary involving use of cold mix, with permanent road restoration scheduled for September 13,” its release said.
Gonzales criticised Padarath’s choice of managers and said the public must now “suffer” as a result.
He added that Padarath distanced himself by calling for a report for failure to communicate with the public.
“This is hypocrisy and insanity. Minister, the buck stops by you and you are accountable! This cannot be easily plagiarised!! Don’t ask for a report, fire your incompetent managers that you inserted on the population. Remove your incompetent CEO and your new communications manager that were brought back in the authority,” Gonzales’ post said.
THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) says it has completed the replacement of 70 metres of sewer pipeline along Sutton Street, San Fernando.
WASA said the repairs, which began September 5 after the issue was identified on August 16, will benefit around 200 residents and address critical public health concerns.
In a statement on September 7, WASA said Acting CEO Jeevan Joseph was committed to resolving the problem of an overflowing manhole before the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
“The Wastewater Services Team worked continuously, including overnight to ensure that the works were completed on schedule on September 7, before the start of the new school term and the anticipated increase in traffic,” the release said.
With the temporary reinstatement of the impacted roadway in place, WASA said permanent reinstatement is expected in the next three weeks.
Former Finance Minister and MP for Diego Martin North Colm Imbert claims the government froze a number of government loans meant for state enterprises, placed it in the government’s bank account, and will be using that to pay salaries for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Imbert was speaking at the People’s National Movement (PNM) public meeting at the Morvant Central Community Centre, Ciprani Street, Morvant.
In his over 20-minute address, Imbert said the former PNM-led government had accessed a number of loans to fund a number of projects such as Palo Seco Agricultural Enterprises’ serviced building lots for former Petrotrin workers in south Trinidad worth $200 million.
“Former Caroni workers got land. It was to give former Petrotrin workers land. That was what that loan was about,” Imbert said.
He listed a number of other loans such as one for the Land Settlement Agency for its housing and village improvement programme.
He described this as an innovative programme which would have seen shacks rebuilt, free of charge, into concrete structures. That loan was worth $150 million.
He added there was even a loan for Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) worth $350 million which also included a loan to do critical pipeline and pump-replacement projects.
There was also a loan for the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), he added.
“All of these loans had a purpose. The purpose was to pay off bills owed to contractors and continue critical government programmes,” he said.
The Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led government froze the loans, he said.
Imbert said he was not surprised by claims made earlier by San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation chairman Richard Walcott that the corporation was not given money for goods and services.
“They take all those loans, $1.3 billion in total,” he said.
Reading from a note, Imbert said, “Based on current liquidity levels, the government of Trinidad and Tobago’s ability to easily or readily access funds on the domestic market has been severely constrained.
“That is technical language for: the banks ain’t want to lend them no money.”
Imbert said the government took the $1.3 billion meant for school and housing construction as well as road paving and placed it in the government’s bank account to deal with a critical shortfall of money for the remaining two months of the year.
“Let me break this down for you, if the banks don’t want to lend them any money, what is causing that? Is it that the banks have no confidence in them?
“If you have all these financing arrangements for all these state enterprises that are critically needed…how are they paying that?”
He said the government was going to try to use this money to try to pay salaries in August and September.
This told him that the government has no money, he said.
WATER and Sewerage Authority (WASA) said the water supply to customers in parts of north-west Trinidad, served by the El Socorro Booster Station, will be disrupted from 6 pm on August 26 to 6 am on August 27.
In a statement on August 26, WASA said the disruption became necessary in order to carry out emergency mechanical repairs at the facility.
The affected areas include El Socorro, Barataria, Aranguez, Morvant, Eastern Main Road Laventille, Laventille Road, East Dry River, downtown Port of Spain, Beetham Gardens, Belmont, Woodbrook, St Ann’s, Cascade, St James, Long Circular Road, Dundonald Hill Cocorite, and Westmoorings.
WASA said after the work is completed, it may take up to 24 hours for the supply to normalise in some affected areas.
A limited truck-borne water supply is available, which can be requested through the following self-service option: the customer portal available on WASA’s website (www.wasa.gov.tt).
“Alternatively, customers requiring a truck-borne supply, direct assistance or further information can contact WASA’s Customer Call Centre toll free at 800-4420/4426,” the statement added.
WASA thanked customers for their patience and understanding.
THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) said the Point Lisas Desalination Plant has resumed operations ahead of schedule, following the successful completion of its annual planned maintenance shutdown.
In a release, it said the maintenance work being carried out by plant owner and operator Desalcott was originally scheduled for completion on August 24, but was finalised at 9 am on August 22.
It said the early restart was a direct result of effective collaboration and constant co-ordination between WASA and Desalcott throughout the maintenance period.
“Production at the plant has already begun ramping up and is expected to reach its full capacity of 40 million gallons per day (MGD) by midnight on August 23.
“This accelerated timeline will significantly benefit customers in parts of central and south Trinidad, allowing for a faster return to regular water supply.”
The authority advised customers that it may take up to 48 hours for water transmission and distribution systems to fully normalise and stabilise.
WASA said its crews will work to maximise supply to affected areas in accordance with the published temporary schedules during this period.
MINISTER in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder has pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring a reliable water supply for Tobago.
He was delivering remarks at the Water and Sewerage Authority’s (WASA’s) 60th anniversary customer appreciation celebration at the Authority’s compound, Lowlands, Tobago, on August 20.
The theme of the authority’s 60th anniversary is Evolution In Action: Forging A Smarter, Sustainable and Equitable Future – Honouring 60 Years, Redefining The Way Forward.
The event culminated the authority’s two-day visit to the island.
Elder said, “For too many decades, the story of water in Tobago has been a story of struggle, interrupted supplies, strained infrastructure and communities waiting far too long for change. And in some instances, still waiting.
“The patience of Tobagonians has been remarkable, but your frustration has been just as real. And so, let me be clear, this government sees you. We hear and we are determined that the cycle of water insecurity must come to an end.”
He said the administration’s determination was anchored in the government’s new vision for Tobago’s growth and prosperity.
“As outlined in our national policy, Tobago deserves focused attention, serious investment and greater self-governance. We are committed to delivering improved tourism, transport and infrastructure alongside economic opportunities tailored to Tobago’s potential.”
Elder said water was the foundation of almost every sector.
“Tourism cannot flourish without reliable service, agriculture cannot expand, schools and homes cannot thrive. In other words, water security is one of the pillars upon which Tobago’s development relies. We know this because we have placed people at the heart of our policies and the people themselves have been crying out for relief.”
He added, “Our commitment, therefore, is not to implement patchwork fixes but to transform water delivery by upgrading aged infrastructure to reduce leaks and losses, strengthening Tobago’s water systems with urgency and with precision, delivering equity so every family, every business and institution has access and building trust by ensuring that WASA operates with transparency and accountability.”
Elder said during the company’s two-day visit, team members it their duty to experience the realities first-hand.
“We toured and discussed the major projects that will boost water supply and improve wastewater service across this island.”
Saying several of the projects are already on stream, he added, “Each one designed to turn decades of insecurity into a new era of reliability. From Lowlands to Charlotteville, from Mason Hall to Scarborough, the message was clear. Tobago is ready for transformation.”
Elder said what they had seen would not remain on paper.
“It is already shaping our blueprint for targeted action and accelerated movement.”
He said the ministry, THA and WASA had reaffirmed their commitment to tackle Tobago’s unique challenges.
“Water is life. To secure Tobago’s growth, to give power to its people, to ensure prosperity for its businesses and opportunities for its youths, we must deliver water with certainty.
“Today, on this 60th anniversary, I reaffirm the pledge of this government. We will not rest until Tobago’s water story changes from one of struggle to one of sustainability and security. Tobago, we must forge a future to which the people of Tobago can finally say with pride, the struggle for water is over.”
Jeevan Joseph, WASA’s acting CEO; Orlando Kerr, THA assistant secretary, Division of Settlements, Public Utilities and Rural Development; and Andrew Daniel, manager, Wastewater, Tobago, also spoke
During the ceremony, tokens of appreciation were presented to ten of WASA’s long-standing customers on the island.
MINISTER of Public Utilities Barry Padarath toured the Picton 1 Estate Management & Business Development Company Ltd (EMBD) Development at Papourie Road, Monkey Town, Barrackpore on August 3 to view the progress of the housing initiative for former Caroni (1975) Ltd workers, where the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is expected to provide initial water connections for 200 lots, a statement from the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) said on August 3.
The visit is the seventh stop on the “WASA Executive Evolution Team Tour” which evaluates projects aimed at improving water reliability in high-priority areas.
Attendees at the site visit included Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Saddam Hosein, WASA chairman Roshan Babwah, acting CEO Jeevan Joseph, T&TEC chairman Anil Kamal, Penal/Debe Regional Corporation chairman Gowtam Maharaj and councillors Mohanie Ramnarine, Nicholas Kanhai and Sheldon Lal.
WASA said the site was already equipped with basic infrastructure such as roads and electricity. It added that Padarath commended Hosein for his leadership in advancing the project and praised WASA, T&TEC and other key state agencies for the role they played in bringing the project back to life as it had been stagnant since 2002.
WASA officials then went to the Darren Ganga Recreation Ground in Barrackpore for the launch of the GP Road Pipeline project, which would entail the installation of a 6.8 km 12 inch pipeline which will run from GP Road/New Colonial Road, to Rochard Douglas Road/Cunjal Road.
The project is expected to be completed in three months and will upgrade the water supply for more than 3,000 people in GP Road, Rees Road, Kansammy Trace, Oropouche River Road and Richard Douglas Road. WASA said the upgrade would improve service from once every 14 days to three days a week.
WASA and the delegation then went to the Clarke Rochard Recreation Ground where a new 20,000-gallon centralised water storage terminal is expected to be constructed.
WASA said the facility would enhance water distribution efficiency, enabling faster trucking response times and providing critical emergency reserves for the community.
Similar terminals will be established in other parts of the country to supplement pipe-borne water supply in underserved areas, the release said.
DIFFUSING work crises are almost a daily routine for Jiselle Webster, manager, regional administration, Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Tobago.
“It is quite literally a part of the role,” she told WMN on June 23.
Webster recalled an especially harrowing ordeal some years ago which, she said, tested her skills, experience and resourcefulness.
“There was a particular instance where a prolonged service disruption triggered community unrest. I immediately coordinated a multi-level communication strategy, which involved the support of the operations team, who usually go above and beyond.
“The strategy ranged from face-to-face and telephone engagement with affected residents to real-time media updates. It involved not just relaying information. I had to listen, validate their concerns and restore confidence.
“My calm but firm communication, combined with accurate and timely messaging, helped to de-escalate the tension and ensure cooperation until the matter was resolved.”
Webster believes her versatility and approach to leadership sets her apart from other communication professionals.
“I have worked across multiple sectors – media, education, administration, public service and consultancy. So I bring a full-circle understanding of communication, from theory to practice and from classroom to boardroom.”
But she said she derives her greatest fulfilment from empowering others.
“My staff often joke that they hesitate to bring ideas to me because they know I will say, ‘Run with it!’ I give people room to lead while offering guidance and support. Above all, I lead with faith, believing that what we build must not only serve our goals but also people.”
Webster describes herself as a “hands-on leader.”
She said, “I believe in being present and engaged. I do not stay behind a desk; I walk the floor, ask questions and connect with my team personally. I love the challenge of transforming an unruly or disengaged staff into a motivated, cooperative and high-performing team player. I see potential in everyone and believe that with the right support and encouragement, people can exceed their own expectations. My leadership is rooted in empathy, patience and genuine care.”
Webster’s job involves overseeing administrative functions, service coordination and all public engagement with the authority in Tobago.
“It is both a strategic and people-centred role that requires clarity, composure and deep communication expertise.”
Her responsibilities include presiding over the regional administrative operations, co-ordinating interdepartmental functions, ensuring service delivery and maintaining alignment with management’s directives.
“I work closely with technical and operational teams as well as external stakeholders to ensure the authority’s objectives are met in Tobago.”
Strategic communication and public interface, she said, are also key aspects of her remit, particularly when addressing service issues or crises.
“At its heart, my work is about creating a connection between departments, systems and the people we serve.”
Saying her role is both demanding and rewarding, Webster said as a single mother, she has learnt the art of balancing leadership with parenting.
Jiselle Webster describes herself as a “hands-on leader.” –
“My days begin early and often ends late. But I prioritise structure, clarity and grace in both roles. I manage competing priorities by staying focused on purpose, practising time stewardship and surrounding myself with supportive teams both professionally and personally. It requires constant adaptability, but I find deep fulfilment in making an impact in both my career and my child’s life.”
Webster was born in Trinidad but raised in Tobago.
She said her upbringing and the various secondary schools she attended “gave me the richness of culture and the grounding of both communities.
“They all have contributed to and shaped different aspects of my identity and worldview.”
Webster holds a bachelor’s in history and communication studies from UWI, St Augustine and a master’s in public relations and new media (now including AI and social media) from the University of Leicester, UK.
She also holds postgraduate certificates in leadership, human resources and digital marketing from the University of London and Arthur Lok Jack School of Business.
Over the years, Webster has worked in various jobs, which she said, shaped her expertise in communication and leadership.
She began her career in media at Tobago Channel 5, where she successfully hosted two productions highlighting Charlotteville and independence celebrations in Tobago.
Webster then moved to CNMG (now TTT) and later 91.1 FM, where she honed her skills in broadcasting and strategic messaging.
She later transitioned into the public service, holding key leadership positions including communication manager at WASA and now, the suthority’s manager of regional administration.
Webster has also lectured in academic writing, media journalism and communication at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (Costaatt), which, she said, deepened her passion for mentorship and training the next generation of communicators.
In carrying out her duties, she said she often interfaces with media practitioners whom she taught.
Apart from her public sector work, Webster has also facilitated numerous workshops both online and in-person across Trinidad and Tobago in public speaking, personal branding and soft skills development.
Through her Jiselle Consultancy Group, which she established in 2022, Webster has coached professionals, entrepreneurs, students and corporate teams, helping them unlock their confidence and elevate their communication presence.
The company emerged from the integration of two previous ventures which she had also founded – Ideal Communications868 and Island Professionals.
Webster told WMN she was drawn to the field of communications not just as a career but as a life purpose. She said from an early age, she understood the power of words, stories and presence in shaping mindsets and accomplishing mandates.
the years, this evolved into a purposeful career from media to strategic public sector roles. My time in the media helped me understand the reach and responsibility of shaping narratives. As I grew, I became more intentional about strategic communication, which builds trust, leads change and empowers others.”
Being in the field, she said, allows her to combine intellect, empathy and creativity.
“Communication is how I show up in the world. It is the vehicle through which I live out my calling. It enables me to influence, inspire and lead. Every press release, response to customers, presentation or coaching session is an opportunity to uplift others. It is not just what I do—it is who I am.”
Webster said these traits have not only worked to her advantage but also benefited others in the workplace.
“I am known for thinking outside the box and crafting innovative communication strategies that resonate with people. I am also open to feedback as I believe it is a gift that shaped my approach as a communicator and a coach.”
Additionally, she believes her background allows her to communicate across diverse audiences while maintaining credibility, influence and authenticity.
“I am also deeply committed to mentoring, ensuring that communication is not just a skill but a culture we build.”
In this regard, Webster believes communication is central to the island’s people and brand development.
“Communication is a powerful bridge between communities, institutions and opportunities. However, what is needed is access, mentorship and modern training.”
She said her burgeoning consultancy is actively creating spaces for growth.
“Tobago has a wealth of untapped talent and I aim to foster this development by equipping young professionals and emerging leaders with the tools to thrive in communication, branding and leadership.”
Webster said in the coming months, the group will be rolling out workshops focusing on public speaking, digital strategy, soft skills and emotional intelligence, all suited to Tobago’s unique landscape.
“My mission is to cultivate a new generation of confident, skilled communicators on the island who can speak with power, lead with presence and show up with pride locally and globally.”
Webster described as “a complexed narrative,” long-standing complaints about Tobago’s poor work ethic.
She said while she has observed “pockets of complacency and cultural delays in execution,” over the years, “I have also worked alongside committed, passionate and capable Tobagonians.”
She continued, “I believe what is often labelled as a poor work ethic can sometimes result from low morale, lack of accountability or unstructured leadership. But I have learned that when you set high standards, communicate expectations and recognise excellence, people feel valued, seen and supported and they tend to rise. I believe Tobago is filled with talent; it simply needs consistent leadership and environments that encourage potential to thrive.”
Webster’s plan, looking ahead, is to turn her consultancy into a regional powerhouse for personal branding, strategic communication and leadership development.
Also on the drawing board, she said, are plans to write two books and host a women’s conference “which speaks about topics often whispered by professional and career women.”
These include mental health and emotional wellness, domestic and gender-based violence, financial empowerment and economic independence, work-life balance and motherhood pressures, breaking societal norms and leadership barriers among other issues.
Webster, who vowed to continue creating platforms that transform lives, said one of her main goals is to lead a communications movement to coincide with Effective Communication Month, which is observed annually in June.
She said while no major global body currently recognises it, many organisations observe it informally.
“My mission is to champion this initiative across the Caribbean, positioning communication not as a soft skill but a life skill. Communication transforms everything – how we lead, how we serve and how we connect. It builds confidence, strengthens institutions and heals communities.”
Webster said the movement she envisions aligns directly with several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including but not limited to quality education and gender equality.
“I envision hosting themed campaigns, youth initiatives, workshops and public events to celebrate and elevate communication across sectors. Ultimately, I want to help more women and young people step boldly into their calling. They must be able to speak with purpose and lead with confidence. This is not just about a title or a business. It is a legacy of voice, vision and value.”
THE Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce said it looks forward to constructive engagement with newly appointed Central Bank governor Larry Howai and the Central Bank as they collectively work to ensure that monetary policy continues to be an enabling force for sustainable national development.
In a release on June 26, the chamber congratulated Howai on his appointment on June 25. It said his long-standing executive career in banking and financial services and his previous tenure as minister of finance position him uniquely to guide the Central Bank at this critical juncture in the nation’s economic development.
The chamber said it continues to recognize the need for enhanced collaboration between financial regulators and the business community to strengthen foreign exchange availability, modernize payment systems, and improve access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and emerging industries.
“We are, therefore, encouraged by Governor Howai’s strong track record of strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and commitment to good governance.
“We remain available to share our recommendations and research findings with Governor Howai to facilitate discussions guided by sound market intelligence.”
According to a Newsday story published on June 26, Howai was appointed to the position of Central Bank governor following a request made to President Christine Kangaloo by Cabinet, on June 24, to revoke the appointment of then Central Bank governor Dr Alvin Hilaire with immediate effect.
Howai, who was appointed minister of finance on June 25, 2012, was appointed Central Bank governor for a term of five years.
In her June 5 post-cabinet media conference, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had said that Hilaire was refusing to divulge information on the top users of foreign exchange in the country.
In 2021, Persad-Bissessar, in her position as opposition leader, said Hilaire must account for what she said was his mismanagement at the bank.
The revocation of Hilaire’s instruments of appointment came 24 hours before the announcement that another senior executive in a state entity had been relieved of his post. The Ministry of Public Utilities announced that WASA’s CEO Keithroy Halliday – who took up that post on December 1 – was fired with immediate effect.
Former public utilities minister Marvin Gonzales says he is deeply concerned at the way the government is dismantling key pillars of the Water and Sewerage Authority’s (WASA) transformation for what he describes as narrow partisan and corrupt interests.
In a statement under the letterhead of the Leader of the Opposition on June 25, Gonzales, the Opposition Chief Whip, said the dismantling of the authority which happened that day was done with little regard for merit, process or the public interest. He said WASA and the public deserved better than a political purge.
“A utility cannot thrive under cronyism, especially one with such national importance. We must preserve the integrity of public service, defend meritocratic processes, and safeguard national investments in water infrastructure and digital modernisation.”
“This country’s interests have once again been sacrificed on the altar of wicked and malicious politics in true UNC fashion.
“Taxpayers will now have to foot the millions in legal bills that will certainly follow due to this capricious behaviour of the board of commissioners.”
He said he was concerned with the character assassination of former CEO Keithroy Halliday by Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath.
“On June 24, Minister Barry Padarath, cowardly hiding under the cover of parliamentary privilege, branded the now fired CEO of WASA – a proven and well-respected professional who was recruited through a transparent process – as a ‘failed CEO from Barbados.’ “Such language is not only reckless, it is misinformed, disrespectful and deeply unbecoming of the office of a senior minister of government.”
Gonzales went over the details of Halliday’s appointment, reminding that he ranked highest among a regional field of candidates after a rigorous and transparent recruitment process, and he received his appointment on December 1, 2024.
Gonzales said during Halliday’s seven-year tenure as chief executive/general manager of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), he transformed that institution into a zero-budget entity covering all operational costs without recourse to recurrent funding across a four‑year period.
“He successfully guided the BWA through crises, secured Green Climate Fund grants for climate resilience, and instilled financial discipline and operational excellence. These are precisely the qualities required to rescue WASA from decades of under-performance.”
Gonzales said the reassignments and restructuring on June 15 rewarded cronies, not competence.
“It is now a matter of public record that the government through its board of commissioners at WASA has abolished the executive leadership, recruited under an extensive transparent process, now replacing them with hand-picked individuals.
“These include Jeevan Joseph and Krishna Persadsingh, neither of whom went through any transparent recruitment process, and others with questionable credentials. Mr Joseph and Mr Persadsingh, former junior staffers, are now being elevated over qualified, experienced executives.
“Many are retirees, brought back without demonstrable capacity to drive digital transformation, sound governance or proven experience in executive leadership of a water utility company.”
He said the UNC government and its board of commissioners should “hold their heads in collective shame as they have embarrassed this country regionally and internationally, and damaged the reputation that the last government painstakingly endured to rebrand WASA and the local water sector.”
He said the government had done irreversible damage to the reputation of WASA, and the local water sector, by “this most egregious act of terror on executives duly hired to steer a much-needed transformation.”
Gonzales warned of the dangers of dismantling the smart-water agenda which had been developed under his tenure as minister.
“WASA was on the cusp of becoming a smart‑water utility, a data-driven operator with real-time leak detection, digital job management systems, remote dashboards, and human‑centric reform that improved efficiency without layoffs. All of this is now being scrapped by this government with no replacement plan, putting completed infrastructure projects, and hundreds of technical jobs, at risk.”
He said competent professionals not aligned with the UNC were being victimised.
“Technocrats are being targeted because of their democratic right to support a political party of their choice, while the UNC installs friends and allies with little regard for qualifications and competence.
“Such actions threaten to return WASA to a politicised, inefficient state entity where procurement is based on political connections, without value-for-money, transparency, or improved service delivery to citizens.”
TWO DAYS after he was described as a “failed CEO” by Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, Keithroy Halliday’s tenure at state utility the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has come to an abrupt end.
A statement from WASA on June 25, confirmed that Halliday had been replaced by Jeevan Joseph who was appointed acting CEO effective June 25.
St Kitt’s-born Halliday, hired during the previous PNM administration at a monthly salary of $100,000, began work on December 01. He formerly worked as general manager of the Barbados Water Authority.
The statement said Joseph had over two decades of extensive technical and managerial expertise in the utilities sector and had worked at WASA since 2000.
He holds a bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering from the University of the West Indies and is an MBA candidate at Anglia Ruskin University.
At WASA, the statement said, Joseph has held pivotal roles including manager of technical services for wastewater systems, where he spearheaded the development of standard operating procedures, asset management strategies and cutting-edge technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The statement said that in his new role as acting CEO, Joseph will prioritise equitable water distribution, infrastructure resilience, and service reliability.
“I am honoured to lead WASA at this critical juncture,” Joseph said.
“My focus will be on collaborating with stakeholders, leveraging innovation, and ensuring that everybody in every community receives fair and sustainable access to pipe borne water. Together, we will build a stronger, more responsive WASA.”
On June 23, during debate on a motion to adopt the report of the Standing Finance Committee, Padarath slammed the previous PNM government saying, “they brought in a failed CEO from Barbados who had very little track record in terms of change management, in terms of changing out the authority.”
Joseph’s appointment is the latest piece to fall into place in WASA’s new executive management structure.
On June 5, attorney Roshan Babwah was announced as new chairman of the board of commissioners, replacing Ravindra Nanga.
Babwah’s deputy on the new board is Dr Maurice J Hoyte, acting president of the Eastern Credit Union.
Other members of the new board are Tawari Tota-Maharaj, Chaitram Brown, Kern D Saney, Naveen Maraj, Indra Mohammed and Patricia Henry.
Keithroy Halliday –
Babwah said Joseph’s appointment aligned with the boards goals of improving the nation’s water service.
“The plan is to increase the supply and manage where there are shortages in terms of allocating resources to other areas. Some areas are 24/7 and we want to make sure that other communities get an adequate supply.”
He said WASA was looking to drill more wells and construct more desalination plants which should relieve the nation’s reliance on major dams
Babwah said, based on Joseph’s competence, the board was satisfied with him as the new leader of the organisation.
More WASA executives, however, were also terminated on the same day of Joseph’s appointment.
While unable to say exactly how many, Public Services Association (PSA) president Felisha Thomas said those fired were hired externally by the PNM five months ago to “decimate” WASA, terminate employees and form the new water management company.
“Those were people hired to execute the transformation of WASA in furtherance of the PNM cabinet sub-committee report which would have seen all WASA workers retrenched.”
The 185-page report, which was laid in the House in March 2021, said WASA was operating with an excess of 3,152 employees contrary to the 1999 cabinet-approved structure.
“That report, along with the management structure which was intended for the new water management company, has been scrapped by the Prime Minister saving 5,000 jobs in WASA. Therefore those positions no longer exist.”
She said the PSA looked forward to working with the new government and minister.
“They have done an excellent job of exposing the ills of the PNM on WASA affairs.”
Padarath confirmed the dismissals saying WASA heads met on June 25 to dismantle the transformation plan.
“That plan would have brought in Mr Halliday as the CEO to oversee the transformation by the former administration and then you had 34 senior executive management, some of whom came from within the organisation.”
He said those who came from within the organisation had returned to their previous positions while those who were not employees prior to being brought in by the transformation process were dismissed.
Padarath also expressed support of the board’s decision to appoint Joseph.
“He has the experience, he has the competence and, therefore, in the absence of a substantive CEO, he has been placed to act until the process can be followed in terms of getting a substantive person to hold the position.”
Newsday attempted to contact Halliday, however, calls to his phone and WhatsApp messages went unanswered.
