Government Expands Access To Water, Electricity, And Internet
Access to reliable utilities is a fundamental right, as stated by the Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo.
According to the Finance Minister, $250 million has been allocated to expand rural electrification and upgrade grid lines as part of projects that improve services to households nationwide.
« Through the Utilities Assistance Programme, $7.2 million in water and electricity bill relief reached more than 12,000 families, and $1.8 million was allocated for tanks and solar panels for rural households. This fiscal, $250 million will expand rural electrification and grid upgrades, installing 8,000 LED streetlights to improve safety and reduce costs. »
A focus on clean energy through an investment of $200 million by TSTT aims to strengthen connectivity and promote youth entrepreneurship.
« Renewable energy projects worth $75 million will begin advancing our clean energy goals. TSTT will invest $200 million to expand fiber-to-home connections and strengthen cyber security, while $2 million will fund youth entrepreneurship through the YBT Team. »
For water supply, Minister Tancoo says there has been a dramatic improvement in areas long neglected.
« Carapal increased 1.5 million gallons per day. Navet 600,000 gallons per day. Siparia, from every nine days to three times weekly. Maracas Bay is now five times weekly. $300 million will replace pipelines in Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Arima. A $50 million smart metering programme will improve billing accuracy and reduce loss. »
Minister Tancoo stressed that strict enforcement of litter and dumping laws and modernised penalties to deter offenders will also be implemented.
