Starved of water for more than three weeks, Penal residents say they are spending thousands of dollars to purchase water in what they say is a great water conspiracy.
The residents believe the conspiracy exists between WASA officials and private contractors who sell water in the starved areas for $300 to $800 per tank. Farmers whose crops are dying say they pay as much as $1,000 for four tanks of water. They believe that middle management supervisors from WASA were redirecting water and getting a percentage of funds from private contractors once water is sold.
At Solomon Knox Street at Lachoos Road, Penal, residents say the village pond has once again become popular because many people could not afford to buy water.
The spring water from the pond is usually mostly used to feed their animals and water plants.
Woodworker Glenford Ramnarine said since April 2 they have not received any water.
He said in 2010 the area got a pipe-borne supply for the first time and the village pond no longer attracted crowds.
“Now it seems we have to go back to using pond water because many of us cannot afford to buy water,” he said.
Ramnarine said the last time they suffered for water was in 2017.
“I am upset because we have to pay WASA bills and still pay contractors for water,” he said.
However, farmer Selvin Gallai said he was convinced it was a conspiracy.
“In Trinidad, everything is a conspiracy,” Gallai said.
He added that his lettuce farm has been getting water from the pond which he pumps daily.
“No water to flush toilets or wash dishes. We have no problem with the farm because we getting water from the earth and that is what we use. We have bought over $1,000 in water. We have to pay WASA and still buy water,” Gallai said.
“Not everybody can afford to buy water. When we call WASA they say keep paying your bill,” he laughed, adding, “They think we are a bunch of idiots. They don’t have time with us. We call this extension and that extension, phone get cut off and we. This is political victimisation because here is Kamla seat so we cannot get water.
“When we do get the water it comes at 12 in the night. I don’t know if we are manicous or men? We have to wake up all night to catch water. Why can’t they send water for us during the day?”
Resident Lutchmin Sinanansingh said she was concerned that some parts of Lachoos Road had water 24/7 but other areas were without water for weeks.
“When the water comes the pressure is so low we cannot even fill our tanks. When they do send water it comes for a few hours late at night. We cannot even get a truck-borne supply,” she lamented.
Meanwhile, at Gopie Trace, a man was seen filling water a standpipe. At Ridgewood Gardens, Golconda, residents said they have not had water in more than six days. Penal/Debe Regional Corporation chairman Dr Allen Sammy said water problems have reached crisis levels.
“We have exhausted all funds for water delivery. Some areas such as Debe Main Road, Penal Rock Road and all the side traces are in deep trouble for water,” Sammy said.
He added that the area was supplied from the Navet Dam and the Desalination Plant.
“Navet has reduced its daily supply from 25 million gallons per day to 15 million gallons per day. There is no question that the Government is unable to manage water resources,” Sammy said.
Asked whether he believed there was a conspiracy, Sammy said this existed nine years ago.
“I have no doubt that some people may be trying to defraud others of their right to water. I am not surprised by these reports,” Sammy said. WASA has, however, urged people not to pay for water. Anyone selling water should also be reported to the authority.
Need water?
The Authority says anyone requesting a truck-borne water supply can contact WASA Toll Free (24hrs)
800-4H2O (800-4420/6)
800-LEAK (800-5325)
