The Water and Sewerage Authority has disclosed that the planned maintenance shutdown by the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Desalcott), will commence at noon today November 30 and end next Friday, December 9.

According to WASA every consideration was given to postponing these works in light of the adverse weather effects on the Authority’s surface water facilities. However, these annually scheduled works are now critical to DESALCOTT’s operations.

The plant provides 40 million gallons daily to WASA, which is used to supply the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, as well as augment the supply to areas in Central and South Trinidad.

In an effort to mitigate the effects of this supply shortfall on operations, the WASA will implement the following measures during the period of the shutdown:

• Increased production and re-distribution of supply from the Caroni and Navet Water Treatment Plants;
• Implementation of temporary supply schedules;
• Ensure capacity storage at critical service reservoirs;
• Increased water trucking capacity;
• Special emphasis and arrangements to supply schools, health institutions, homes for the aged and other special needs organizations.

Some of the affected areas will include:

Caroni, St. Helena, Charlieville, Chaguanas, Cunupia, Carapichaima, Couva, Claxton Bay, Marabella, Gasparillo, San Fernando, Cocoyea, Union Hall, La Romaine, Woodland, Palmiste, Phillipine, Rambert Village, South Oropouche, Fyzabad, Avocat, Siparia, Penal, San Francique, Rousillac, Aripero, La Brea.