“It is there to provide a service. Just building the pump station or any infrastructure is not the only way to determine whether you have ‘value for money’; but whether it is able to provide the service in a consistent and reliable way confirms whether or not you get ‘value for money’ for the investment made,” he pointed out.

The minister said currently the Stanleytown Pump Station cannot be operated at full capacity mainly because six squatters are occupying the reserve, and this is impeding the drainage flow into the pump.

He stressed his ministry had an option to wait until the squatters had removed then proceed to install the pump, but chose to proceed with the station while Region Three Chairman Mr. Julius Faeber and other officials sought to relocate the dwellers.

The pump, Persaud said, will soon be in operation, and he pointed out that the inference that his ministry was “ripped off” with what was supplied is an issue for which he has not seen any supporting information.

He noted that tenders for the Stanleytown project were advertised, they went to the National Procurement Board, there was a public opening, the project went to cabinet for “no objection”, and the contract was executed with the full knowledge of the beneficiaries.

That project saw the rehabilitation of a 120 cubic feet of water per second (cusec) hydro flow pump and the installation of a new 150 cusecs, 15 foot TDH high capacity line shaft pump.

The pump aims to increase the drainage capacity of the Canal Number Two Polder area and assist in reducing flooding.

Canal Number Two Polder is known for its agricultural potential; and during the rainy season it is affected by accumulation of water in some areas.
The pump can work during high tide, a time when sluices have to be open.