Access to reliable utilities is a fundamental right, as stated by the Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo.
According to the Finance Minister, $250 million has been allocated to expand rural electrification and upgrade grid lines as part of projects that improve services to households nationwide.
“Through the Utilities Assistance Programme, $7.2 million in water and electricity bill relief reached more than 12,000 families, and $1.8 million was allocated for tanks and solar panels for rural households. This fiscal, $250 million will expand rural electrification and grid upgrades, installing 8,000 LED streetlights to improve safety and reduce costs.”
A focus on clean energy through an investment of $200 million by TSTT aims to strengthen connectivity and promote youth entrepreneurship.
“Renewable energy projects worth $75 million will begin advancing our clean energy goals. TSTT will invest $200 million to expand fiber-to-home connections and strengthen cyber security, while $2 million will fund youth entrepreneurship through the YBT Team.”
For water supply, Minister Tancoo says there has been a dramatic improvement in areas long neglected.
“Carapal increased 1.5 million gallons per day. Navet 600,000 gallons per day. Siparia, from every nine days to three times weekly. Maracas Bay is now five times weekly. $300 million will replace pipelines in Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Arima. A $50 million smart metering programme will improve billing accuracy and reduce loss.”
Minister Tancoo stressed that strict enforcement of litter and dumping laws and modernised penalties to deter offenders will also be implemented.