The Water Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (WITT) was launched on 27^th March 2006 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port of Spain.  Approximately one hundred and fifty (150), guests (local and regional) attended the ceremony, bringing together the educational/training institutions and the major stakeholders in the water sector.  The launch showcased the partnership between the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the College of Science, Technology & Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), and as the model unfolds will include partnerships with other educational institutes, locally, regionally and internationally.

The WITT/COSTAATT partnership would see the introduction of a BSc in Water Resource Management and Technology in September 2006 and Diploma and Certificate level courses in 2007.

Trinidad and Tobago is positioning itself towards development of its infrastructure, industries and human capital by the year 2020, via its vision 2020 plan.  As part of its plan the country will meet its obligations under the 3^rd and 4^th World Water Forum objectives and also Millennium Development Goal seven, that is, to cut by more than half the population not having access to clean drinking water and sanitation.  Trinidad and Tobago is well on its way to achieving these objectives. 

Government has been making major investments in the water sector to ensure improvements to the treatment and distribution water and wastewater services.  It is therefore imperative that those with the responsibility can adequately and effectively manage the resource and the investments for the future development of the water sector and the country as a whole.

The WITT would assist by providing: 

¨      Trained craftsmen, technicians and professionals for the water sector 

¨      A forum for research/development and implementation of solutions to the various challenges that affect the water sector e.g. Climate and weather variability, Vulnerability to disasters, Industrial and agricultural growth and development, Pollution of water sources 

¨      Guidelines/position papers that would inform decision-making and policy/regulatory framework. 

¨      Centralized core for the water sector 

¨      Adoption of appropriate technology 

¨      Support for community-based learning/forums

¨      Partnerships with local and regional educational/training institutions 

¨      Provision of library services and student support 

¨      Coordination of research and development 

¨      Legal framework 

¨      Administration

¨      The design and implementation of craft courses in Plumbing (internal and external), a one (1) year Process Plant Operator course and Pipe-laying one (1) programme in Trinidad. 

¨      The design and implementation of community-based programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Regional Corporations, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMCOL), focusing on the maintenance of the nations watercourses and the environment. 

¨      Introduction of a Primary and Secondary Schools outreach to educate and promote awareness on Integrated Water Resource Management. 

¨      The introduction of a reference library and student support services. 

¨      Introduction of Community-based awareness programmes relating to water sector issues.   

¨      The implementation of  postgraduate and research promgrammes.  

ARELPLAZA
234, Eastern Main Road
Tunapuna
Trinidad, West Indies

Phone/Fax: (868) 645-6202

Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm