By Sue-Ann Wayow

CONSTITUENTS of Moruga/Tableland could be consuming contaminated water which could lead to cancer.

This was the serious allegation made by United National Congress (UNC) for Couva South Barry Padarath on Tuesday night.

Speaking at a UNC meeting in Debe, Padarath claimed that the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) was working on a particular report.

He called on Public Utilities Minister Colm Imbert to come clean to the constituents on the matter.

Padarath claimed, “Today, I can confirm that there is a report inside of WASA, that the wells that they have dug in Moruga/Tableland have high concentration of carcinogenic material in it. And the instruction has been from the Government to continue water production through those wells.”

To residents in the constituency he warned, “Tonight, I want to put the people of Moruga and Tableland on alert, that your water supply could very well lead to you getting cancer for you, your family and your children.”

Padarath promised to make public the alleged report in the coming days as he was currently studying it.

To Imbert, he said, “Tell us, whether or not that report exists and whether or not the lives of the constituents of Moruga/Tableland are being put at risk through the direction of the members of the Government.”

Padarath also warned supporters that should the People’s National Movement (PNM) retain Government, one of the first acts would be to increase electricity and water rates.

He said, “Colm Imbert, you could jump high, you could jump low, you could run but you cannot hide. Facts remain facts, it is on the public record that that the PNM has already indicated that one of their very first intentions when it comes to raising increased revenue is to increase water and electricity rates.”

The former Shadow Minister for Public Utilities told supporters that in 1995 to 2001 under the first UNC government great improvement was made for water distribution.

Padarath added that when the People’s Partnership Government led by former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar took office, water distribution also increased greatly.

“Tonight, I want to tell you, when we go back into Government, we will have water for all,” he declared.

Padarath, former member of parliament for Princes Town also recognised UNC candidate for the constituency Dr Aiyna Ali.

In giving greetings he spoke highly of his UNC colleague Rudranath Indarsingh who was the member of parliament for Couva South since 2010 saying he has displayed a  tremendous amount of discipline, strength and real unity.

Padarath encouraged all to stand with UNC political leader Persad-Bissessar to ensure that “everybody wins when the UNC wins.”