By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Point Lisas Desalination Plant would not have planned shutdown operations during times of great festivities and other major national events.
This year, its planned shutdown is scheduled from August 19 to 23.
The Point Lisas Desalination Plant supplies 40 million gallons of water daily to WASA, supporting the Point Lisas Industrial Estate and augmenting supply to parts of Central and South-West Trinidad.
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has been working with the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (DESALCOTT) who owns and operates the plant to instead have planned shutdowns outside of certain months identified, when large segments of the population require water in preparation for their festivities.
WASA, in a media release on Friday, stated that its new Executive Evolution Team was aware of the many complaints from citizens across the country regarding the timing of the annual shutdown of the Point Lisas Desalination Plant, for planned maintenance works.
The release stated, “Therefore, WASA in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Utilities, has successfully negotiated for the maintenance to take place in August, as opposed to varying times in either the month of September, October or November, as has occurred in previous years. This adjustment will ensure that citizens are not affected in their preparations for significant national events.”
WASA stated its team has paid particular attention to the sensitivity expressed in the past and was working with DESALCOTT, to remedy any inconvenience caused to customers during the period of maintenance.
“As a result of the negotiations, DESALCOTT is now guaranteeing that their annually scheduled maintenance will be conducted outside of the months identified, when large segments of the population require water in preparation for their festivities,” the release stated.
To minimise disruptions, WASA will implement mitigation plans, including: prioritised truck-borne water distribution to affected areas and detailed supply schedules for impacted communities, to be shared in advance.
WASA stated it will issue subsequent reminders to the public regarding this pending shutdown in the coming weeks leading up to the August 19, start date.
Acting CEO Jeevan Joseph, maintained the WASA Executive Evolution Team’s commitment to delivering on government’s mandate for equitable and sustainable water distribution across all of Trinidad and Tobago.
