The Cabinet has decided to reverse WASA’s proposed restructuring programme, citing it as “top-heavy” and not benefitting general workers or providing a better water supply to the nation.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, following the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
“The WASA’s core function is to increase water production and distribute throughout the country. Today, we will announce and can announce and have approved that the changes to the management of WASA result in savings of about $30 million, $30 million annually. At least $30 million annually. And that then we can use to go into critical areas of national development.”
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar gave credit to WASA employees and their union, the Public Services Association (PSA), for what she said was an improvement in water supply to some areas within the last couple of weeks.
“Today I ask of you in WASA, that you do the right thing. Do your part to make sure that WASA fulfills its mandate to deliver water for all. You know the saying one hand doesn’t clap? We need two. One hand doesn’t clap, you know. But you know what? One hand can slap. So let’s put the two together and clap.”
Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath shared some of the plans for WASA: “So what we want to announce today is that there will be a more people-centred approach, particularly with WASA employees. The Prime Minister has already indicated that we have rescinded those Cabinet decisions of the past and therefore we are ensuring that there is a more structured and a more cohesive management style coming out of WASA, where you have a smaller core team that is able to achieve the mandate, which is water for all. We will then look at the infrastructural projects with the IDB loan of the US$200 million. There will be emergency works to bring short-term relief, but also long-term measures in terms of how do we fix these problems permanently.”
In September 2024, then Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzalez revealed a new nine-member executive leadership at WASA charged with transforming the utility.