By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is set to undertake major upgrades to water treatment facilities in North East Trinidad, aiming to significantly improve production capacity and service reliability for thousands of residents.

 WASA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Jeevan Joseph, along with the WASA Evolution Team, conducted an inspection tour of key facilities on Saturday to assess infrastructure needs and engage with local stakeholders, a WASA release on Sunday stated.

 At various stages of the tour, the team was joined by local government councillors Roger Moore, Daryl Mohan and Keon Saroopsingh , who welcomed the planned improvements to bolster water supply in underserved communities.

 During the visit to Cumuto/Tamana, the WASA team met with residents in Carmichael Village, Coryal, addressing concerns and outlining upcoming projects designed to enhance service reliability.

WASA stated, “Once completed, these projects will benefit over 300,000 residents across Matura, Salybia, Sangre Grande, Cumuto/Manzanilla, Coryal, Arima, D’Abadie/O’Meara, Arouca/Maloney, and Lopinot/Bon Air West. Many areas currently facing intermittent/poor or no supply are projected to receive a minimum of 24/3 water service, with some moving to 24/7 availability.”

 Joseph emphasised WASA’s commitment to timely project delivery, aligning with the government’s mandate for equitable and sustainable water distribution nationwide, as part of the ongoing evolution of Trinidad and Tobago’s water sector.

 The following facilities have been identified for critical upgrades:

·       Guanapo Water Treatment Plant (WTP) – Expansion to increase production from 3.5 million gallons per day (mgd) to 5.5 mgd.

·       North Oropouche WTP – Installation of new storage tanks to replace aging infrastructure.

·       Matura WTP – Construction of a new Salybia/Matura WTP with a capacity of 12 mgd.

·       Sangre Grande Well #4 – Development of a new well to produce 0.5 mgd.

·       Cumuto WTP – Refurbishment of the Cumoto Water treatment Plant and drilling of two (2) new production wells.

·       Coryal Booster Station – New facility at the corner of Bon Air Road and Guaico Tamana Road.

A planned tour of WASA facilities and underserved communities is scheduled for the Central region on July 12  and a visit to Tobago will place on July 17.