In a significant development within Trinidad and Tobago’s public utility sector, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has officially confirmed the appointment of Dain Maharaj as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). The announcement came during the December 9 parliamentary session in response to pointed inquiries from Arouca/Lopinot opposition MP Marvin Gonzales.
During the House of Representatives proceedings, the Prime Minister provided definitive clarification regarding the leadership transition at the state-owned water authority. “The individual designated to serve as acting CEO of WASA is Mr. Dain Maharaj, who remains a current employee of the organization,” Persad-Bissessar stated authoritatively.
The parliamentary exchange grew notably contentious when Gonzales questioned the circumstances surrounding the departure of former CEO Jeevan Joseph, who had held the position for approximately five months. The Prime Minister firmly rejected the premise of the questioning, asserting that no administrative leave had been imposed regarding the previous acting CEO.
“The previous interim CEO tendered a resignation based entirely on personal considerations,” Persad-Bissessar clarified. “Therefore, the foundational assumption of your inquiry is fundamentally inaccurate.” This response highlighted the government’s position that the leadership transition occurred through voluntary resignation rather than administrative action.
The appointment comes at a critical juncture for WASA, which faces ongoing challenges in water distribution and infrastructure management across Trinidad and Tobago. Maharaj’s internal promotion suggests continuity within the organization’s operational framework during this transitional period.