WASA to acquire pollution-monitoring device to provide better quality water

THE WATER and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is concerned about “producing a potable supply of water to the population in the face of deteriorating river water quality.”

According to Errol Grimes, the chief executive officer of WASA, “We are in the process of purchasing an upstream pollution-monitoring device that will provide an early warning signal for the level of contaminants that may enter our system.” He added, “But more importantly we continue to work alongside the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) to develop strategies that limit the hazards that affect our waterways which is the more pro-active approach since we must deal with pollutants at the source.”

Grimes touched on the subject at the formal commissioning of WASA’s new Chaguanas Service Centre yesterday morning located on Ramsaran Street, when he strressed that “the quality of the water that is being produced is of equal importance to us since the recent incident that was highlighted in the media has only revealed some of the challenges we face daily.” Grimes said that the “hallmark of any successful enterprise is its ability to anticipate and ultimately satisfy the needs of customers through its products and services.” He said that WASA was continuing efforts “to transform itself into an organisation that is market oriented and driven to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of customers that we serve.”

“It goes without saying that of paramount importance to us is the satisfaction of our customers’ water supply needs and in cognizance of this we executed a very successful National Social Development Programme last year installing new pipelines and constructing new booster stations at various parts of the country with over 50,000 people benefitting,” Grimes added. He also spoke of plans to promote greater public awareness of WASA’s operations and “the necessity for collaboration with those persons whose actions have a negative impact on our waterways.”

“Already plans are underway for us to embark on a public education drive targetting all citizens who contribute to pollution by the reckless disposal of garbage, and as such the entire nation therefore needs to be involved in securing the cleanliness of our waterways,” Grimes said. The branch was formally commissioned by Public Utilities and Environment Minister Pennelope Beckles at Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas. She said,  “ We are certain that this will help us to deliver quality service to our customers in Central Trinidad.”

In delivering the feature address the Minister said that “this new Service Centre will impact positively on the quality of life of our nation’s people.” She acknowledged that “this initiative was part of WASA’s overall strategy to transform the quality of its service operations to the wider community.” The Minister stressed that “the viability and future success of WASA or any organisation for that matter, is found in its ability to understand, meet and surpass consumer needs.”