Minister: WASA workers not on strike

Antoine indicated that on Wednesday night there was a disruption in the water distribution system in certain parts of north and east Trinidad. He said this was the result of concerns raised by WASA workers about occupational health and safety (OSH) issues and security in high-risk areas. The minister said following a meeting between WASA’s chairman and CEO with Public Services Association President Watson Duke, “the plants were restarted and the distribution system is back up and running.” Antoine explained there were quick fixes in terms of some of the OSH matters and a commitment by WASA to increase security patrols at its facilities. He said this was a situation which “is not something to be continued” because WASA is an essential service under the Industrial Relations Act. The minister said WASA’s managers “have put things in place to deal with the situation that occurred yesterday (Wednesday).” He also said WASA’s managers and workers are aware of the process to deal with OSH issues.

Antoine also listed the desilting of the Hillsborough Dam and the drilling of three new wells as some of the measures being taken to address water distribution issues in Tobago.