WASA’S director of customer services, Doodnath Bhola, yesterday warned of harsh action against anyone responsible for contaminating the water supply on Tuesday night at the utility’s Caroni Water Treatment Plant. “This one looks very suspicious. Once we find out the source, cause and person responsible, we are taking harsh action because you are compromising the quality of the water for the people of T&T.”
He made the comment following yesterday’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting at the Parliament, Tower D, Waterfront Centre, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain. The issue was raised during the meeting by Opposition Senator Diane Baldeo-Chadeesingh who is a member of the PAC.
In response Bhola said the authority was forced to shut down the plant and clean it after the contamination was discovered. He insisted the water was safe for consumption but said because of the odour many chose not to use it. He said the Environmental Management Authority was assisting in the investigations.
Bhola said the authority was concerned about the contamination. He said it had affected an estimated “75 million gallons of water a day out of 242 million gallons, which he added, was “a large amount.” He insisted: “We are not joking with that. We are very serious with that one.” Addressing a fire which destroyed a transformer at the said plant earlier this month, Bhola said sabotage was ruled out and the incident may have taken place because of the age of the equipment which was operational since 1981.
“We ruled out foul play because of tight security,” he added. Bhola said a new transformer was being installed on Sunday from 6 am to midnight and by Monday evening the 24/7 water supply should be restored to consumers.