Rise in WASA rates for muddy water

THE EDITOR: Kindly permit me to make my contribution to the fight against crime, as embarked upon by the government of the day. A very dear friend of mine, Mr Kennedy Tyson of Lower Santa Cruz, who I have known for the past 20 years, brought to my attention what I consider a distasteful and dishonest act. The perpetrator of this hood-like action is no other than our own state run Water and Sewerage Authority. My friend had applied to WASA back in 2002 for a pipe-borne water supply which was granted in the same year, but not before Mr Tyson had to purchase a quantity of one-inch pipe to support his request. The source of the water was from a dam in the district. Unfortunately for Mr Tyson, this supply was not like a regular supply that people in other communities would enjoy. He would receive a supply of water Monday through Thursday, late at night and only in the rainy season. Added to that, the day following severe rain fall, the water in his tap would be brown and filled with silt and dust, retarding its use.

In a letter, however, dated July 16, 2004, from WASA, Mr Tyson was informed that his account has been re-classified from A2 (Domestic Externally Serviced) to A3 (Domestic Internally Serviced) with effect from 11/10/2002. The notice went on to state that based on the assessed value or annual taxable value (ATV) of the property the quarterly rate has increased from $50/$67.50 to $270 for Water and $0 for Sewer, in keeping with their (WASA) regular billing cycle. Therefore, his balance on his account would be $1650 as of 07/09/2004. It also stated the re-classification arose from information gathered by their field officer who had recently inspected the property. Shocked and disillusioned, Mr Tyson responded to the last line of the letter which sugggested that should he require further information he should contact WASA’s St Joseph office.

Tyson was subsequently referred to WASA’s Port-of-Spain office, which was by way of a telephone number. Mr Maxwell at WASA’s office, Kew place, Port-of-Spain, without any consideration and sypathy for Mr Tyson’s concerns, told him in a most distasteful manner that because of his schedule he couldn’t see him, but would give him two minutes on the phone. Mr Tyson indicated to him that he needed more time and that a face to face meeting would be appreciated. Mr Maxwell at this point got irate and told Mr Tyson words to the effect, “I sure you come and beg for water and now you don’t want to pay...” He further informed Mr Tyson that it was not WASA who is responsible for rise in water rates, and that he should go to the office of the Town and Country Division.

My concern, however, is for my friend, Mr Tyson and all the other victims who have fallen under the gun and mask of a WASA field officer who may have, in an effort to make a little overtime money, or who might be very conscientious, made a visit to Mr Tyson’s property late at night, up a hill in the rainy season to gather information to effect a change of rates. Concerns for those who have to call the Customer Business Service at WASA’s St Joseph office only to be referred to an obnoxious, official at WASA’s Kew Place Office who would surfeit them with a mouthful of water and sewerage because he feels he has the authority.

Was Mr Maxwell really serious when he referred Mr Tyson to the Town and Country Office or waas he just trying to brush him off? What poor taste. I think that the Water and Sewerage Authority should pay particular attention to the manner in which their field officers attend to the business and, more so, the integrity with which they operate. The authority should invest in a programme of public relations and quality customer service. I wonder if I should have called Crime Stoppers instead.

KENNETH  FRANCOIS
Morvant