The Ministry of Agriculture has decided that farmers would be allowed to use river water for irrigation without having to pay for it.
The state Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) met with stakeholders earlier this week and insisted that farmers pay WASA 10 cents for every 220 gallons for river water that they use.
Read the story: T&T government insists that farmers get licences to use river water
The development means that farmers would also not have to pay the $150 a year licence fee, but they would still have to register to use the water.
"In terms of farmers accessing water from some rivers, an understanding was reached for farmers to win water downstream from (WASA) Water Treatment Plants as well as from rivers not designated for feeding Water Treatment Plants," the ministry stated in a media release.
It added, "It is important to note that the Ministry of Agriculture shares the view of the Ministry of Public Utilities and WASA that the management of water resources for the farming community is as important as the supply of potable water and distribution to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago."
The President of the Food Crop Farmers Association has welcomed the decision. Norris Deonarine said it's a good move because farmers had no intention of paying for the water and he suggested that that the licensing be dropped as well because it makes no sense.
The state Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) met with stakeholders earlier this week and insisted that farmers pay WASA 10 cents for every 220 gallons for river water that they use.
Read the story: T&T government insists that farmers get licences to use river water
The development means that farmers would also not have to pay the $150 a year licence fee, but they would still have to register to use the water.
"In terms of farmers accessing water from some rivers, an understanding was reached for farmers to win water downstream from (WASA) Water Treatment Plants as well as from rivers not designated for feeding Water Treatment Plants," the ministry stated in a media release.
It added, "It is important to note that the Ministry of Agriculture shares the view of the Ministry of Public Utilities and WASA that the management of water resources for the farming community is as important as the supply of potable water and distribution to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago."
The President of the Food Crop Farmers Association has welcomed the decision. Norris Deonarine said it's a good move because farmers had no intention of paying for the water and he suggested that that the licensing be dropped as well because it makes no sense.
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