Minister of the Environment and Water Resources Ganga Singh has commended the Water and Sewerage Authority's (WASA) collection drive in 2012 which netted $823 million in revenue.

This was an increase of $209 million over the 2011 figure.

Singh delivered the feature address last Friday night at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) in Port of Spain during WASA's gala "Celebration of our Successes" event.

He said: "In February 2012, WASA engaged in an aggressive revenue collection drive accompanied by a disconnection programme that the fainthearted amongst us were cynical about. So tonight, I will let the facts speak for themselves.

"Mr (Gerald) Yorke, acting CEO and former chief financial officer has advised that in 2010, WASA collected $550 million, in 2011 $614 million, an increase of $64 million over the 2010 figure and in 2012, $823 million, an increase of $209 million over the 2011 figure."

Singh also praised the company on its successful acquisition of a $3.5 billion loan this year which was preceded by a US$50 million which will be used over a five-year period for the construction of two new wastewater treatment plants and other projects.

Singh highlighted the planned ten-day shutdown of the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Desalcott) which resulted in a production deficit of approximately 30 million gallons a day.

This was highlighted because of WASA's reaction to the ten-day water shortfall.

The company buffered potential negative effects on consumers with its contingency measures.

These included industrial sectors receiving a 24/7 supply, ensuring that all critical reservoirs were filled, ensuring that all production facilities were fully operational, ensuring there was a constant supply of truck-bourne water and engaging stakeholders to facilitate the process, Singh said.

WASA's corporate communications manager Ellen Lewis received two awards at the event for her tireless approach in engaging stakeholders to ensure smooth operations during the shutdown.