By Sue-Ann Wayow
MORE than 1,500 residents of Icacos and Fullerton have been without pipe-born water for almost a month.
Local government councillor for Cedros Shankar Teelucksingh told AZP News that he was sure that if the problem was not rectified this week, he would have a barrage of residents at his office door demanding the basic utility.
Teelucksingh said he could not understand what was the problem.
The area located on the southwestern peninsula is serviced by the Granville Water Treatment Plant. Icacos has between 1,200 to 1,500 residents while Fullerton has about 600, the councillor said.
Teelucksingh said he attempted to find out from the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) why residents were without water for so long but he got no solid answers from WASA officials.
The residents have been either filling containers at standpipes or paying at least $300 for a truckload of water from a private supplier.
It costs approximately $300 to $400 to fill a 400-gallon tank Teelucksingh said.
WASA sent one water tender last week for the residents.
Teelucksingh said, “There is no reason why these residents cannot get water. It is a distribution problem. Even though these residents live at the furthest end of the country, they have access to pipe-born water. Why are they not getting it? Why are they not getting it according to WASA’s distribution schedule?”
He continued, “It is really terrible. The residents are frustrated.”
In May, the residents had protested for water at Icacos Junction. Teelucksingh said that within 24 hours of that protest water was restored. But the problem resurfaced again.
He said it was about time long-term measures were put in place to ensure a steady supply of water whether it means having more wells or a booster pump at the Granville Water Treatment Plant.
Teelucksingh said the Member of Parliament for Point Fortin Kennedy Richards was aware of the situation.
Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales told AZP News that he spoke to Richards on Sunday concerning the water issues.
He said, “Based on the preliminary feedback, the situation was already being remedied as of last evening.”
Teelucksingh also said he was awaiting a detailed report from WASA.
See related story below:
Icacos without water for a month
