While water production and distribution have normalised to nearly 95 per cent, Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales says the cause of the problems is very “curious” since both the Caroni Water Treatment Plant and the Desalination Company gave both been encountering electrical issues.
Minister Gonzales said, “In T&T, anything is possible, and the possibility of sabotage is always there. But you don’t jump to it without any conclusive evidence.”
He added, “As Minister, I have to be responsible about what I say about these things unless you have evidence to support it.”
Referencing September 2nd, where electrical problems shut down the Desalcott plant in Point Lisas, Gonzales said: “I did find it quite curious that coming out of a major disruption of the Caroni Water Treatment Plant due to electrical issues, and just as WASA was recovering from that, there was another electrical issue at Desalcott.”
The Caroni plant encountered electrical issues from August 25th, which warranted emergency repairs and that led to several parts of north, central and south Trinidad without water for days. After the repairs were completed, thousands of people still experienced low water pressure for days affecting their supply of water.
The problem at the Desalcott plant saw the same areas affected again.
But Gonzales said he was monitoring the situation and investigating the cause noting that “the possibility of sabotage is always there.”
He said he also paid particular attention to the political response to these water supply issues and the ensuing criticism directed at WASA and the Government.
“Notice the political response to it as well and the attack that came to WASA,” Gonzales pointed out.
Gonzales told media, “These politicians recognised that the issues stemmed from the Desalcott plant. Yet they came out and attacked WASA, attacked the Government, and claimed discrimination. It tells you there is always the possibility of sabotage that leads to political opponents capitalising on these activities for their good.
“I am not fazed by it. We will respond and try to manage the challenge. I think the population of T&T is knowledgeable and understands what is taking place. I am not fazed by the possibility of sabotage taking place on any plant because some people believe that for them to be politically relevant, there must be disruption,” he said.