By RICHARDON DHALAI Wednesday, May 14 2008

STATE utility Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) is doing its work, its CEO Errol Grimes insisted yesterday, adding that between 3,000 and 4,000 leaks are repaired on a monthly basis by the authority.

Grimes also stated that unaccounted for water (UFW) is estimated at some 40 percent of total water production yet this country’s water production is ranked among the highest in the world, producing 200 gallons per day on a per capita basis with developed countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom producing 60 gallons and between 40 and 50 gallons per day, respectively.

Grimes was addressing a breakfast meeting to discuss the Authority’s US$6.9 million Water and Wastewater master plan and policy at the South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce executive office at Cross Crossing in San Fernando.

He said UFWs was not only about leakage but also “illegal connection usage and wastage among other things.”

He said the master plan would guide development of the country’s infrastructure and address such concerns as leakage reduction through a “water use efficiency programme that includes metering...and prioritise development projects.”

“Our new Beetham Wastewater Treatment Plant produces approximately 10 million litres per day of effluent that is treated to the highest standard through ultraviolet technology and is therefore eco-friendly” he said.