WASA trucks take water to Belmont residents

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One day after Layan Hill, Belmont residents made a public appeal for an adequate water supply in their community, trucks from the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) spent hours delivering truck borne supplies yesterday.

However, much to the disappointment of the residents, only four houses were supplied with water by the trucks up until 6.30 yesterday evening.

In an interview with Guardian Media yesterday, resident Earl Mark said on Thursday afternoon, he received a call from the office of the Member of Parliament for the area, Stuart Young.

By yesterday morning, Mark was contacted by a representative from WASA who told him water trucks would be in the area by 10 am.

Elated, Mark quickly informed his neighbours and the community began watching the road instead of the dry lines, hoping for relief.

“They came after 1 and up until 6.30, they were still outside trying to fill up some tanks—today is Friday, water supposed to come in the line and none ain’t come,” Mark said.

He said the trucks had only filled tanks at four homes up until that time.

“We hoping they come back tomorrow so the rest of houses could get some water. It don’t look like we getting water in the line anytime soon.”

Contacted on Thursday for a comment on the resident’s plight, Young said he was aware of the issues facing the community.

“Unfortunately Layan Hill has been having difficulty with water supply for a while. As you would have seen it is located at the top of the ridge in Belmont and this topography seems to present problems to WASA at times boosting the water supply up to Layan Hill,” Young said.

He said he had not been contacted by anyone from the community but whenever he is informed of water issues, he makes contact with WASA officials.

“On many previous occasions I have intervened to assist the residents of Layan Hill and I will certainly do so again. I have been discussing with my colleague, Minister Gonzales, a more sustainable water supply for all of the hilly areas in Port of Spain North/ St Ann’s West and I know this request is being addressed.”

Also on Thursday, Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales said he would mandate WASA executives to hold a press conference to account to the public for the country’s water woes.

Gonzales said the press conference would be held on Friday (yesterday.)

However, yesterday, WASA issued a press release, announcing they would host a press conference tomorrow at the North Oropouche Water Treatment Plant, off Valencia Road, Valencia at 10 am.