The Tobago People’s Party says urgent action is needed to protect the island’s water supply as the dry season continues to put pressure on key systems.
Following a recent visit to the Kingsbay Dam, area representative and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine noted reduced water capacity affecting Speyside and Delaford.
“But we must be honest about the challenges. There has never been proper road access to the rear of the dam. This means it has never been desilted since its construction. Over time, this has significantly reduced its catchment capacity and overall effectiveness,” Mr Augustine stated.
The Chief Secretary noted that work is now underway, including drainage improvements and the development of access roads to allow the dam to be properly cleared and restored.
“The Tobago House of Assembly has now begun corrective works. Drainage infrastructure along the access route is currently under construction, to be followed by road surfacing. More critically, we are treating this as an emergency priority: to construct the necessary access so that the dam can finally be desilted during this dry season,” he stated.
Mr Augustine is also urging residents to conserve water, stressing that every drop saved helps stabilise the system during ongoing upgrades.
“I am urging all residents of Speyside and Delaford to use water responsibly. Every drop conserved now helps to sustain the system as we work to restore and strengthen it.
This is a moment for collective discipline and forward action: fixing what was left undone, and protecting what we have for generations to come.”
