Hundreds Of Students Mobilised For Water Conservation Drive
Approximately 800 students from across Trinidad and Tobago are benefiting from a two-day symposium hosted by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) focused on water conservation.
The National Water and Utilities Youth Symposium is being held at WASA’s Head Office in St. Joseph and features several agencies under the Ministry of Public Utilities
Speaking to TTT News at the launch of the National Water and Utilities Youth Symposium, WASA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dain Maharaj said the initiative forms part of the utility’s dry season strategy.
« Water conservation is very important. As you know, we have a very limited supply of fresh water in our reserves, not that of salt water, ocean water, but fresh water, it makes up roughly 1% of the earth’s water that we have, that we can utilise. So the drive really is to let the kids understand the importance of conserving the water. »
Mr. Maharaj acknowledged that while production can be limited, WASA is working to reduce losses and improve supply through targeted leak repairs.
« We have started a drive where we can now try to reduce our leakage index, look at our heavy leaks. We were able in the Point Lisa area, that leak was there since 2020 and by reports of persons from the PLIPDECO area reporting that there are about 6 million gallons of water a day that we are able to now repair those leaks and now we are able to save that 6 million gallons of water and share it around communities that had a shorter supply in those particular areas. »
Also attending the launch were Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Clyde Elder, and Parliamentary Secretary, Shivanna Sam.
Minister Elder highlighted the value of engaging young people in building a culture of conservation.
« It is always good to see young people involved. When you want to do something and you want to do it right, you always start with the very young ones and in developing a water conservation culture, the best place to start is with the young people because they will then carry it to the homes. They will then ensure that the homes follow a conservation culture. »
Participating agencies include the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, the Regulated Industries Commission, and the Solid Waste Management Company Limited
Students also received practical guidance on disaster preparedness, weather alerts, and warning systems.
