Water woes leave Tobago hoteliers hot

The owner of a 21-room establishment said her ten tanks are empty. She said she has been dealing with angry guests with some even opting to check out and seek accommodation elsewhere.

“One even left without paying because they are of the view that we did not hold our side of the bargain,” she said.

The woman explained that her swimming pool cannot be used because there is no water to maintain it.

President of the Tobago Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA) Nick Hardwicke is appealing to the Government, the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to conduct a thorough assessment of the water needs for the island.

“This assessment must anticipate increases in population size, commercial, industrial, agricultural and tourism activity over at least the next 20 years with the intention that investments be made now to meet this anticipated demand,” Hardwicke said.

“We cannot continue to be playing catch up and living behind the curve of development otherwise we will stifle further developmental opportunities going forward and continue to inflict unnecessary hardship on our population and visitors.” President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA), Chris James told Newsday that his association is working closely with WASA to make sure the situation is addressed during this extended period of drought.

“Generally, it is working well and we are able to get WASA to assist when truck borne water is required,” James said.

Meanwhile, a close source at WASA has attributed the situation to the lack of consistent rainfall required to replenish water sources following the harsh 2016 dry season.

According to the source, the Courland Water Treatment Plant, the main source of supply to South West Tobago is currently operating at below 15 percent of its production capacity of two million gallons a day. The plant supplies Crown Point, Bon Accord, Buccoo, Black Rock and Plymouth among other areas.