Government Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal yesterday accused the former People's National Movement (PNM) administration of corrupt practices during its regime with respect to the Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (WASA).

Moonilal was speaking during the debate of a motion to increase the water rates at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate at the Parliament sitting, on the heels of Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.

Moonilal said the former PNM Government was engaged in corruption through its dealing with Israeli water company Mekorot.

He said in June 2009, an agreement was framed for a long-term collaboration with this company and WASA for the development and implementation of water services and projects in this country.

The scope of work included the implementation and designs of systems for WASA, the completion of a hydraulic network for Trinidad water, review of various alternatives for the South-West to Tobago project and the replacement and rehabilitation of leaky mains.

He said this contract was for US$110 million and was approved by former public utilities minister Mustapha Abdul Hamid in 2010.

"Six hundred and forty million Trinidad and Tobago dollars signed with a firm...I ask the honourable member for Diego Martin West was there any procurement, was there any tendering?" asked Moonilal.

He said this was not a management contract but a "nebulous agreement".

Moonilal added that just before the general election in May 2010, WASA signed an undated agreement with Mekorot for US$25 million.

He said when the People's Partnership Government came into power, it was seen that no funds were paid to Mekorot.