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  • 4 weeks ago
Minister of Public Utilities, Barry Padarath, says WASA is set to save approximately $90 million through improved efficiency and tighter control over overtime payments. This explains the decreased allocations under several line items for fiscal 2026. Rynessa Cutting reports.
Transcript
00:00Public Utilities Minister Bari Padaroth says, while the previous PNM government planned massive layoffs at Wasa,
00:07it is this government's intention to keep the workers in their jobs while simultaneously cutting expenditure.
00:14Almost $90 million in cost savings in these areas.
00:19Remember, as you would appreciate having sat here once upon a time, that these are projections.
00:25But these projections are a far, far, far cry from sending home thousands of Wasa workers, which your government planned to do.
00:34So we are seeking to make it efficient, work with employees if there is a need to supplement.
00:42Obviously there's a process for that.
00:45But the opposition argued that cuts under several line items suggest a reduced workforce, raising concerns about potential job losses.
00:53How it is, by reducing $98 million from daily rated workers, contribution to NIS, and salaries and cost of living,
01:04how many workers do you really intend to terminate? Because that's the maths that will maths.
01:11However, Padaroth explained that one such item, overtime allocations, will be closely managed moving forward.
01:19In terms of productivity in areas such as overtime and so on, to utilize the technology, utilize different work schedules,
01:30to see how we can cut on the overtime and the allowances, but still maintain good levels of efficiency.
01:38Just under $20 million has been budgeted for overtime in 2026, down from the $37 million revised figure for 2025.
01:48Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
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