By Sue-Ann Wayow
PRELIMINARY assessments of the newly installed Tulsa Trace Pump and Gate Facility have been conducted by Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan.
Sinanan along with Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi visited the facility in south Trinidad along with a technical team of the Ministry of Works on Wednesday.
Both ministers have been visiting key areas since Tuesday following the announcement of the tropical storm warning that has since been discontinued.
In a release from the Works Ministry, the ministry stated that its Drainage Division had embarked on an initiative entitled “The Upgrade to Existing Pumps and Gates Inventory” throughout the country.
The programme involves the upgrade of pump stations and the replacement and/or rehabilitation of sluice gates and flap gates across Trinidad.
One of the main projects identified for upgrading was the Tulsa Trace Pump Site in the Oropouche Lagoon area that affects the communities of Penal and its environs via the Black Water Channel.
Upgrade works on the Tulsa Trace Pump House and Gates included the installation of one new 30,000 GPM pump, as well as two new sluice gates and a trash rack. The project is ongoing and testing and commissioning are expected to be completed by mid-July 2022, the ministry stated.
Given prevailing weather conditions, the Ministry of Works and Transport encourages the general public to remain vigilant and to stay connected to the Ministry of Works and Transport’s website at www.mowt.gov.tt and official social media platforms for further information and updates.
