Government Plans IDB-Funded WASA Upgrades After Budget 2027

Trinidad and Tobago’s Government has set aside $3.9996 billion for 1,272 capital projects in fiscal 2027, with major spending aimed at water supply, national security and housing. The plan includes $45 million for production wells, $471.2 million for security projects, and funding for HDC repairs, land distribution, roads, schools and health services, but execution remains a concern after last year’s low spending rate.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says the Government is working with the Ministry of Planning to meet conditions for accessing the rest of an Inter-American Development Bank loan to upgrade Trinidad and Tobago’s water system. He said ageing WASA plants and mains will be repaired in phases after the budget. Former minister Marvin Gonzales accused the Government of mishandling past IDB-funded projects.

Government plans to tap more than US$120 million in existing IDB loans to upgrade WASA’s ageing water infrastructure, with work expected to ramp up after Budget 2027. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said the money will go toward water treatment plants and replacing old mains to reduce leaks, outages and damage in communities across Trinidad and Tobago.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says the Government is preparing major budget announcements for water infrastructure upgrades, including replacing ageing mains and pipelines across Trinidad and Tobago. He said repairs to the Bridal Road main in Cunupia highlighted how widespread the deterioration is, with work also being considered for Maraval and water treatment facilities.