WASA says work will begin next month on two new water treatment plants.

The projects are in Goldsborough, Tobago and Santa Cruz, Trinidad.

They are part of the National Water Sector Transformation Programme and will cost approximately $48.7 million and $80.7 million respectively.

Both projects are scheduled to be completed within 18 months and are being funded under a loan agreement with the Inter- American Development Bank.

The Authority says they will facilitate the treatment of an additional 6.5 million gallons a water a day: 2 million gallons per day in Goldsborough and 4.5 million gallons a day in Santa Cruz.

When fully operational, the Goldsborough Treatment plant will benefit more than 17,000 residents across communities in Tobago, including Roxborough, Pembroke, Richmond, Goldsborough, Glamorgan, Calder Hall, Bagatelle, Friendsfield, Scarborough, Shaw Park, Pump Mill, Darrel Spring, Lowlands, Lambeau, Signal Hill, Patience Hill, and Spring Garden.

The new treatment plant in Santa Cruz, will serve communities in Upper and Lower Cantaro Village, Pax Vale, Flamboyant, La Sagesse, Pipiol, Sam Boucaud, Jaggan Village, Hololo Road Santa Cruz, and Petit Curucaye.

WASA says consultations have already taken place in both communities, with representatives to return for follow up meetings to announce the projects’ commencement and introduce residents to community liaison personnel who will be the points of contact for any grievances or issues which may arise during the life of the projects.

The projects are being funded from a US$80 million IDB loan that was sought by the Government to boost the efficiency, quality, sustainability, and resilience of the country’s drinking water supply and water security.

The funds are part of a US$315 million conditional credit line for T&T’s National Water Sector Transformation Program, and this initial phase of the operation includes funding for institutional strengthening and capacity building to help the Ministry of Public Utilities and WASA improve governance and the sustainable management of its water resources.

The first loan operation is to be disbursed over the course of four years, with a 25-year repayment term, and a 5.5-year grace period.