By Sue-Ann Wayow
STARTING today, Tuesday July 25, 2023, there is going to be a series of consultations with citizens regarding the installation of infrastructure for a better water supply in specific areas.
The first of these consultations will be held at the Chatham Community Centre starting at 5 pm.
According to a public notice issued by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), the Chatham Cluster of Projects include the refurbishment and upgrade of the Chatham Water Treatment Plant and the drilling and equipping of Chatham Well #15 located off Chatham North Trace.
“Upon commencement, the projects are expected to be completed within 12 months and will result in an improved water supply to all communities in Chatham and environs currently served by the Chatham Water Treatment Plant,” the notice stated.
Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales told AZP News, the consultations were a requirement as part of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan.
He said, “Before the projects go out for tender, we must have consultation with the community.”
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Gonzales said on becoming minister, his assessment of the country’s water supply showed that 60% of Trinidad and Tobago generally received a reasonable water supply.
There were some areas that had a deficit either due to aging infrastructure, no infrastructure and other lacks.
Those areas he said focus was being placed on.
The second consultation will be on Thursday at the Preysal Secondary School to discuss the Freeport Cluster of Projects.
Gonzales said there will also be consultation in Santa Cruz, Arima, Penal and Tobago.
All projects identified under the clusters will be done under the National Water Sector Transformation Programme.
The purpose of the program, according to an environmental and social management plan is to improve the efficiency and quality of potable water and services in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Government has sought funding from the IDB through a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Project (CCLIP) to fund the program.
The CCLIP will be implemented in various operations and the first operation which has three components implemented in several sections of Trinidad and Tobago.
The three components are:
1. Water Stabilisation and Improvement: US$44 million.
2. Support for Water Sector Transformation Plan: US$2.74 million.
3. Network Optimisation: US$31 million.
Project management and other costs:US$2.26 million.
Curious Resident: Who were the stakeholder groups and citizens invited, and what was the qualifying criteria to be invited. I hope affected residents or their representive councils were invited.