Government is blaming years of underinvestment for ongoing water supply disruptions linked to mechanical failures at the El Socorro Booster Station.
Responding to a question in Parliament, Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath said the booster station, which supplies Port of Spain, Laventille, Cascade and Cocorite, is currently operating at reduced capacity and is being supported through structured distribution and emergency controls.
He said restoration efforts suffered another setback when a key motor failed, triggering further supply interruptions and additional repairs, noting that the public must understand the scale of deterioration inherited from the previous administration.
“I’m just told that the motor failed and therefore additional work has to be done. This Government has given its commitment to being transparent with the population. I don’t think the population is unreasonable to understand that we are dealing with a decade of neglect and therefore it is not a switch that we can flip, but that the investments are being made for the first time, for the first time in five years, Mr Speaker, to deal with the El Socorro Booster Station.”
Minister Padarath said the station is running at approximately half capacity, with truck-borne water distribution prioritising critical facilities and vulnerable communities.
“I wish to advise that while there has been a delay in achieving full restoration at the El Socorro Booster Station, WASA continues to actively manage the situation through structured operational controls and targeted contingency measures to ensure the continuity of potable water supply. At present, the booster station is operating at approximately 50% capacity, supported by one functional unit.”