WASA bids to transform, reform and restructure company

Saturday 6th February, 2010

Transform, reform, and restructure are the watchwords for WASA as it undertakes a complete overhaul of operations to clamp down on corruption that's tarnishing the utility's public image.

The Public Utilities Minister laid out a plan for the Water and Sewerage Authority in Parliament yesterday.

Poor water pressure, infrequent water supply or no water supply at all are the basic problems in the country's water distribution that will be addressed through reforms in WASA's operations and management structure.

Minister of Public Utilities Mustapha Abdul Hamid says devising engineering solutions for problems such as imbalances in supply is a top priority.

The Minister went on to say that WASA has an 18-month plan to fix leaky pipelines and dig new wells.

In the short term, the utility will address an estimated 400 leaks that have been identified as major contributors to water wastage.

But he insists WASA cannot be the sole bearer of blame for the 40% of water that is unaccounted for, and likely goes to waste.

Still, the Mminister acknowledges the need for more accountability within the public utility.

He says the country will be divided into zones, each of which will be assigned to a manager and a team of technicians.