Tancoo urges government to end water politics

Oropouche West MP Dave Tancoo has accused Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales of causing an unnecessary water crisis in his constituency and surrounding communities. Tancoo claimed that despite the government making funds available for water improvement solutions, the minister has failed to ensure that these solutions were implemented. Residents in areas such as Penal, Woodland, San Francique, Pluck Road, Debe are being forced to spend thousands of dollars per month to meet their basic water needs, while still paying water rates for a commodity they do not receive.

Residents have also reported that despite paying their water rates, they have not received a pipe-borne water supply for months and are only offered truck-borne water supply if they pay their rates. Tancoo called for Minister Gonzales to be held accountable and provide a detailed breakdown of the purpose of the loans, the planned projects to mitigate the water crisis in Oropouche West, and an explanation for why these projects were abandoned. He criticized the government for not taking action and playing politics with the lives of frustrated citizens who are facing yet another dry season without water.

Tancoo emphasized the need for the government to stop playing games and provide the population with access to water, as the situation has become dire for many residents in Oropouche West and surrounding areas. He challenged Minister Gonzales to explain why the government, despite claiming to have both resources and solutions for the water crisis, has not taken action to address the ongoing issue. The lack of access to water is a pressing concern for the affected communities, and Tancoo urged the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over political maneuvering.

The MP’s accusations have shed light on the struggles faced by residents in Oropouche West and other communities, where access to clean water is a basic necessity that is currently not being met. The failure of the government to implement promised water improvement solutions has left many residents with no choice but to spend significant amounts of money on alternative sources of water, in addition to paying for a service they are not receiving. Tancoo’s call for accountability and action from Minister Gonzales reflects the urgent need to address the water crisis and ensure that residents have access to a reliable and safe water supply.

The ongoing water crisis in Oropouche West highlights the broader issue of water management and infrastructure challenges faced by communities across Trinidad and Tobago. The failure of the government to fulfill its commitments to improving water access and reliability has had a direct impact on the daily lives and well-being of residents in affected areas. Tancoo’s statements bring attention to the government’s responsibility to prioritize essential services such as water supply and ensure that all citizens have access to a basic necessity that is crucial for health and quality of life.