1 week ago
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The Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Desalcott) has informed the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) of the annual shutdown of its Point Lisas Desalination Plant to allow for maintenance. The shutdown is scheduled from August 18 to 24. The plant, which produces 40 million gallons of water daily, supplies the Point Lisas Industrial Estate and supplements supply to central and south Trinidad.
To mitigate the expected shortfall, WASA plans to redistribute water from the Caroni and Navet treatment plants, implement temporary supply schedules, and increase storage at critical reservoirs. Additional water trucking capacity will be deployed, and priority will be given to hospitals, care homes, and special needs facilities. Temporary schedules will be published on WASA’s social media platforms, and residents are advised to store water in advance and manage usage efficiently. Limited truck-borne water will be available on request via the customer portal.
Affected areas are expected to include Caroni, Chaguanas, Cunupia, Couva, Claxton Bay, Marabella, Gasparillo, San Fernando, Union Hall, La Romain, Woodland, Palmiste, Fyzabad, Siparia, Penal, Rousillac, Aripero, and La Brea.
The authority also said it had completed emergency repairs to a ruptured 30-inch diameter discharge pipeline at the El Socorro Booster Station. The work was finished and the facility restarted at 4.30 pm on Tuesday. The repair team worked overnight to complete the job in the shortest possible time to reduce service disruption, WASA said.
Improved service in Maracas Bay
Meanwhile, residents of Maracas Bay have reported a more reliable water supply following recent upgrades. Fisherman Adrian Baptiste said, “Since I’m living here, it is the first time that water flowed in my face basin tap inside my home, and the pressure is so good, even the bathroom shower … I now know how it feels to have water hitting yuh back.”
Natasha Bharat, a lifelong resident, added, “The fisherfolk depend heavily on water to not only sustain their families, but our livelihood, and I am thankful to WASA for all the work that they have done to ensure that our village receives a good water supply.”
The improvements followed upgrades to the Tyrico Water Treatment Plant and repairs to ageing pipelines. WASA acting CEO Jeevan Joseph said, “We have to make a difference in the lives of people. This isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about dignity, health, and giving families access to potable water.” —Kejan Haynes
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