Couva South MP Rudy Indarsingh believes the Public Utilities Minister and WASA must accept responsibility for the death of 39-year-old Kern Etienne.

Etienne died after a mound of dirt collapsed onto him as he stood inside a trench at Rienzi Kirton Highway in San Fernando on October 22nd 2023.

OSHA has since filed formal complaint against WASA in the Industrial Court, as it reported six breaches leading to his death.

Mr Indarsingh believes the number of breaches shows a “culture of disregard” for safety guidelines and processes and speculated as to whether or not other worksites may have had similar breaches.

He insists that WASA’s Human Resources Department, Health and Safety Department and management must accept full responsibility for the breaches that occurred under their watch.

He also took aim at Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales, WASA’s Chairman Ravi Nanga, and the Authority’s Board of Commissioners saying they must account for the severe and fatal compromising of OSHA standards under their watch.