Ten of the Water and Sewerage Authority’s longest-standing customers in Tobago, whose accounts date back to the Authority’s inception, were recognised on Wednesday.
The recognition forms part of the activities marking the utility’s 60th anniversary.
Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebrations in Tobago, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Clyde Elder, said the theme, ‘Evolution in Action: Forging a Smarter, Sustainable and Equitable Future – Honouring 60 Years, Redefining the Way Forward,’ emphasises WASA’s commitment to transformation.
He said talks have already taken place with Tobago House of Assembly officials on plans to improve the island’s water supply. He added that the government is committed to meeting Tobago’s needs.
“The people themselves have been crying out for relief. Our commitment therefore is not to implement patchwork fixes but to transform water delivery by doing the following: Upgrading aged infrastructure to reduce leaks and losses; strengthening Tobago’s water systems with urgency and with precision; delivering equity so every family, every business, and institution has access and building trust by ensuring WASA upgrades with transparency and accountability.”
Acting Chief Executive Officer Jeevan Joseph said ten long-standing customers whose accounts were established on the same date as the Authority were honoured.
“These hampers are but a small token of our gratitude for the partnership with us over the years. For you are not just long-standing customers but you have also consistently kept your account payments up to date. Moving forward, WASA is prioritising agile engagement, listening more closely, acting more swiftly, and tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of communities across Trinidad and Tobago.”
While the Authority celebrates six decades of service, Tobago’s prospects for an improved water supply look promising, as Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Public Utilities, Orlando Kerr, said the meeting with ministry officials and WASA was productive.
“We were able to sit and strategise, look at the shortcomings and forge a way forward in terms of transforming water delivery on the island of Tobago and I must say as the person in the THA with direct responsibility for public utilities, I am indeed very heartened of the discussions we had and I also am aware and I know that the discussions will not be talk shops but have forged viable ways of getting Tobago closer to water 24/7.”
WASA officially celebrates 60 years of its existence on September 1st 2025.