ACHIEVEMENT REPORT FISCAL 2012 - mpu.gov.tt Achievement Report 2012 Fullpage suppli… · Assistance Programme (UAP). The UAP saw an increase of four hundred and seventy (470) new

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC UTILITIES ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2012

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MINISTRY OF PUBLIC UTILITIESAC H I E V E M E N T R E P O R T

FISCAL 2012


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Message from the Honourable Nizam BakshIn fi scal 2012, the Ministry of Public Utilities continued to make its indelible mark on the developmental landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. We remain guided by our mission to “To facilitate the effective delivery of effi cient, affordable and quality public utilities services through a committed, resourceful team of professionals in close collaboration with all stakeholders”, and our recognition that the quality of utility services provided, is a pertinent measure of the advances made in achieving developed nation status. Having received the torch of stewardship from Senator the Honourable Emmanuel George, I can report that the Telecommunications, Electricity and Postal sectors, along

with the staff of the Ministry are both committed to and pressing forward with achieving the MPU’s primary objective.

During this period, the Head Offi ce accrued noteworthy social capital gains, particularly through the work of the Customer Service Unit, via the Utilities Assistance Programme and ended the year having added 470 more benefi ciaries to the previous fi gure of 10,616 persons, who currently receive fi nancial relief on their WASA and T&TEC bills. The commencement of the monitoring of the MPU’s fi ve year strategic plan also saw a number of qualifi ed personnel fi lling existing vacancies, and more than $220,000 earned through myriad sources.

The Ministry was positively thrust into the spotlight, through a roving Pictorial Exhibition, staged at locations on both islands, to mark Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th Anniversary. To assist staff of the Government Printery in better performing their duties, a plan is currently being executed to relocate the operations to a new site in Frederick Settlement, Caroni. The continued monitoring of the strategic plan will ensure that staff of the MPU

and its Agencies meets the objectives which directly affect their stakeholders.

The Telecommunications Service of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), and the Trinidad and Tobago Postal C o r p o r a t i o n ( T T P O S T ) , continue to render service

which can be modelled by our CARICOM neighbours. TSTT reaffi rmed their position as an industry leader by setting the standard in mobile communication through their 46 free broadband wireless internet access zones, commonly referred to as B-zones and continued its progression towards the upgrade of the broadband wireless system.

T&TEC has been making a positive impact on communities throughout the country with the illumination of 26 recreation grounds and parks, installing more than 2,500 streetlights, and the completion of an array of bulk power projects, which will ensure uninterrupted supply.

TTPOST made history in 2012 as the fi rst Caribbean territory to introduce their own Postal Code and S42 Addressing standard, an international best practice that has only been implemented in some 29 countries globally.

TTPOST and T&TEC also achieved signifi cant customer satisfaction returns in the 2012 MORI poll of 83% and 78% respectively, while TSTT has maintained strong loyalty in their brand and suite of services.

Like the distribution system of lines, pipes and routes which comprise the means of transmission for our agencies, our contribution to the nation remains ubiquitous, if more commonly operating in the background. We at the MPU, however, are not content to remain the lesser acknowledged part of your home and work surroundings. Thus, in 2013, we shall not only continue to directly impact the lives of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago with safe and reliable utilities, but endeavour to have as visible a presence as the services we provide. The Honourable Nizam Baksh,

Minister of Public Utilities


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1.1 The Electrical Inspectorate Division (EID)1.0 MINISTRY ACHIEVEMENTS

The EID is responsible for administration, regulation and enforcement of the laws and rules guiding the inspection of electrical installations in households, businesses and industries in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as, the licensing of wiremen and projectionists. The EID’s performance during fi scal 2012 was commendable despite a minor setback in the relocation of the North Offi ce to Arouca. The achievements during the period October, 2011 – September, 2012 were as follows:

1.1.1 Electrical Inspection Services1. Completed 40,518 inspections

against a target of 36,000;2. Conducted 49 Fire and

electrocution investigations; 3. Issued/renewed 1,055 Wireman

License;

4. Collected electrical inspection fees in the amount of $5,279,895.00;

5. Conducted 84 inspection audits to ensure compliance with inspection procedures;

6. Provided electrical advice to 41,110 members of the public including property owners, electrical contractors upon the inspection of their electrical installation;

7. Reviewed, evaluated and provided advice on new developments in the electrical fi eld, in accordance with the international safety standards and practices, existing laws, rules and regulations via participation in the following technical Committees:

a) Electrical Code Committee of Trinidad and Tobago and Renewable Energy Sub-Committee of the Electrical Code Committee of Trinidad and Tobago;

b) Solar Water Heater Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS);

c) TTBS Technical sub-committee on electrical cables;

d) TTBS Technical sub-committee on air-conditioning units;

e) The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) Renewable Energy Committee; and

f) National Building Code Committee.


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1.1.2 Restructuring of the EIDThe Chief Electrical Inspector participated in interviews which resulted in the fi lling of twenty one (21) Electrical Inspector positions. There was also a screening exercise for applicants to fi ll vacant posts within the permanent establishment. Interviews are to be scheduled early in fi scal 2013.

1.1.3 Accommodation for the EIDThe EID North Offi ce was relocated to a new spacious offi ce building in Arouca, in June 2012. This is in keeping with the Ministry’s objective to provide quality and effi cient service to citizens of

Trinidad and Tobago and to provide both staff and members of the public with more comfortable accommodation. In addition, the Ministry of Public Administration has identifi ed a building for the EID, South Offi ce. Negotiations are currently taking place.

1.1.4 Tools and equipmentTen (10) insulation resistance testers and three (3) phase rotation meters were purchased for use by Electrical Inspectors. Safety gears for the Electrical Inspectors were also purchased in keeping with OSH regulations.

1.1.5 TrainingIn fi scal 2012, Electrical Inspectors attended the following training programmes:

1. Writing Technical Regulations;

2. Photovoltaic and small wind-turbine energy systems;

3. Retirement –A new beginning;

4. Delivering excellent customer service; and

5. Registry system and procedures workshop.

1.2 Human Resource Services Division

The Human Resource Services Division continued its timely and effi cient support of internal divisions and units during fi scal 2012. The Division had a successful year with a number of important initiatives being achieved. These included:

• Filling of 23 vacant contract positions;

• Completion of the revised structure for the Government Printery which was subsequently submitted to the employee representative union for comments;

• Cancer screening for both male and female employees;

• Fifty (50%) percent completion of its Training and Development Plan

which is expected to be completed in quarter 1 of fi scal 2013;

• Implementation of a Performance Management System; and

• Completion of an HR audit of contract and establishment staff.

1.3 Finance and Accounting Unit

The Accounting and Finance Unit sustained its obligations through the timely completion of fi nancial statements and monitoring of the Ministry’s expenditure. In fi scal 2012, the Ministry was allocated the sum of $2,781,633,700.00 of which $2,718,615,039.50 was expended. This represents a savings of $63,018,660.50. Further, revenues collected during the period amounted to $133,660,408.06.


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The offi ce of the Government Printer has its role and function prescribed in the following four legal instruments:

• Interpretation Act, Chapter 3:01;• Evidence Act, Chapter 7:21;• Statutes Act, Chapter 3:02, and• Representation of the People Act,

Chapter 2:01.

Over time, the functions of the Government Printery have expanded signifi cantly to include the printing of:

• The Hansard;• The Trinidad and Tobago Gazette;

• Parliamentary documents (Bills, Acts);

• Elections documents (e.g. ballot papers);

• The Ministry of Finance’s Budget documents (e.g. appropriation books); and

• Documents of sensitive national security and trade concerns (e.g. Receipts, traffi c tickets).

The Government Printery undertook 3,229 jobs relative to the above functions. It must be noted that the staff of the Government Printery is

1.4 The Government Printery

1.5 Meteorological Services (MET)

set to relocate their operations and infrastructure to a larger, safer and more modern facility in Frederick Settlement, Caroni. This is expected to increase the effi ciency of their operations.

The Meteorological Services Division’s achievements were recorded up to June 2012, as a consequence of its reassignment to the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources on June 22nd, 2012. The following achievements were noted:

• The procurement of an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS);

• The procurement of tidal gauges; • The Calibration of the Polar Orbiting Satellite

Receiving System; • The completion of RFPs and Design works for the

Meteorological Complex;• The formulation and documentation of policies for

operational effi ciency based on the stipulation of the World Meteorological Organization and by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT);

• The implementation of a Quality Management System; and

• The installation of anemometer cable.


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The Customer Service Unit’s (CSU) most notable achievement in fi scal 2012 was the increase of new benefi ciaries under the Utilities Assistance Programme (UAP). The UAP saw an increase of four hundred and seventy (470) new benefi ciaries. The total number of benefi ciaries on the Utilities Assistance Programme as at September 30th, 2012 was eleven thousand and eighty-six (11,086). Another major achievement was the increase of UAP subsidies by 100% for qualifying customers of both WASA and T&TEC. The WASA benefi ciaries’ subsidy increased from $70 to $140 and from $100 to $200 depending on the customer category. This resulted in a total subsidy of $2,158,120.00. In addition, the T&TEC benefi ciaries’ subsidy increased from $342 to $684 per annum. This resulted in a total subsidy of $ 53,714.04.

The CSU recorded other important achievements as follows:

• Acknowledgement of one hundred and eighty-eight (188) queries within the same day of being received;

• Resolution of one hundred and

1.6 Customer Service Unit (CSU)

1.7 Communications Unit

seventy two (172) queries within fi ve (5) days of receipt;

• Processed two hundred and thirty-four (234) standby generator licenses (new/renewal); an increase of eighty-seven (87) new licenses awarded. The revenues collected totaled $3,744,568.22; and

• Commenced the building of a

“queries and issues” database which is 20% completed.

The Customer Service Unit has also worked towards increasing awareness of the services offered by the Ministry via their participation in the Ministry of Community Development’s Community ‘Mediation Week’ activities.

The Communications Unit had a hectic 2012 year with a number of initiatives being achieved. These included:

• Planned and implemented four (4) exhibitions throughout Trinidad and Tobago to commemorate the 50th year of Independence where tokens were distributed to all

visitors of the exhibition;• Planned and

implemented a media briefi ng to announce the start of the Hurricane Season;

• Planned and implemented an exhibition with WASA to commemorate World Forestry Day, World Water Day and World Meteorological Day;

• Assisted with the launch of TTPost Postal Code System; and

• Hosted the MPU’s Sports and Family Day.


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1.8 Legal Services

1.9 Monitoring and Evaluation Unit

1.10 Information Technology (IT Unit)

The Legal Services Unit’s major achievement for fi scal 2012 was securing an amendment to the TTPost Act which will allow forty seven (47) properties to be vested in TTPost. These properties will continue to generate revenue for TTPost. In addition, the Unit drafted and vetted contracts for janitorial and security services, provided responses to Parliamentary questions on the operations of the Ministry as well as provided legal advice to the Honourable Minister and Permanent Secretary.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Unit provided very crucial support during 2012. The Unit tracked and evaluated programmes and projects and reported on outcomes to both the MPU and other government ministries during this fi scal period. Some of the Unit’s major achievements were as follows:

• Completion of the 2010-2011 Administrative report;

• Completion of fi scal 2012 quarterly reports for submissions

to the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development;

• Conducted over forty site visits on Agency projects;

• Prepared for submission to the Cabinet the fi rst year report on the MPU Strategic Plan 2011-2015;

• Prepared for submission to Cabinet a report on the Summary of Deliverables based on the medium term policy framework;

• Prepared for submission to Ministry of Planning and Sustainable

Development comments on the “Draft Sustainable Development Report for Trinidad and Tobago;”

• Prepared for submission to the Ministry of Finance a Progress report on the implementation of measures announced in the 2011 and 2012 budgets for the MPU;

• Prepared and submitted to the Offi ce of the Prime Minister a report on all utility projects for fi scals 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The IT Unit provided support to the Ministry by engaging in a number of activities geared towards the use of technology to improve operational effi ciency at the Ministry. These activities included:

• The purchase of hardware and software to interconnect all Divisions at the MPU;

• The acquisition and installation of a Registry File Tracking System to improve the registry fi le tracking process within the Ministry;

• The purchase of computer equipment to replace old and obsolete ones;• The documentation of IT policies for internet, email, laptop and

telephone usage;• Technical maintenance of the Ministry’s website.


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The Ministry of Public Utilities’ NSDP programme was allocated $106,000,000.00 in fi scal 2012. During the period $93,028,202.89 was expended. Major achievements included:

• One thousand one hundred and twenty nine (1,129) houses wired;

• Seventy-two (72) persons received assistance with wiring material; and

• Two hundred and sixty-one (261) homes received sanitary plumbing assistance.

• 105 pipeline projects completed;• 25 electrifi cation projects

completed; 2 parks and recreational grounds illuminated.

1.11 MPU - National Social Development Programme (NSDP)

T&TEC continues to work towards their goal of being the fastest and most reliable electricity service provider. During fi scal 2012 T&TEC placed second in the MORI Poll with a seventy-eight (78%) percent customer satisfaction rating. Sixty-four (64) persons were trained as future Linesmen and Substation Electricians.

2.0 AGENCY ACHIEVEMENTS

2.1 Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC)

The following achievements were recorded:

2.1.1 National Street Lighting and Illumination of Facilities

T&TEC has met and exceeded their targets pertaining to the expansion of electrifi cation programmes in communities nationwide for fi scal 2012 in the following two (2) areas:

• Installed six hundred and fi fty seven (657) poles against a planned target of three hundred and thirty (330); and

• Illuminated nine (9) public spaces against a planned target of eight (8).

• In addition, T&TEC had a good performance in the following areas under the electrifi cation program:


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• Installed two thousand six hundred and thirty one (2,631) street lights;

• Upgraded two hundred and thirty fi ve (235) street lights;

• Illuminated twenty six (26) parks and recreation grounds;

• Illuminated three (3) Regional Health Facilities; and

Project Name Planned/ActualTotal as at the end

of fi scal 2012

National Street Lighting Programme

Lights Installed Planned 3,550Actual 2,631Lights Upgraded Planned 240Actual 235km of Roads Illuminated Planned 5Actual 0Poles Installed Planned 330Actual 657

Lighting of Parks andRecreation Grounds

# of Parks/Grounds IlluminatedPlanned 34Actual 26

Illumination of RHA Facilities# of RHA Facilities IlluminatedPlanned 9Actual 3

Illumination of Public Spaces# of Public Spaces IlluminatedPlanned 8Actual 9

Illumination of Grounds ofPolice Stations

# of facilities illuminatedPlanned 39Actual 32

Table 1: Summary of the status of the electrifi cation programme as at the end of fi scal 2012:

• Illuminated thirty two (32) Police Station Grounds.


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Overall, the Agency exceeded its target in the categories of pole installation (200%) and illumination of public space (112%). In addition, T&TEC achieved approximately 75% completion in all other categories in the electrifi cation programme (see above) with 38% illumination of RHA Facilities during this fi scal period.

2.1.2 Electrifi cation and Lighting of Parks and Grounds

T&TEC completed twenty-fi ve (25) electrifi cation jobs under the National Social Development Programme (NSDP) for fi scal 2012, which benefi tted approximately one hundred and thirty eight (138) persons. The following two (2) Recreational Parks were illuminated:

1. Ackbar Trace Recreation Ground; and

2. Endeavour Gardens Recreation Ground.

2.1.3 Bulk Power

T&TEC expects the Bulk Power project to be completed by the end of fi scal 2013. It should be noted, however, that the Commission has made major strides during fi scal 2012 on the Tobago Network (Cove-Milford Bay) cable section, which is seventy (70%) percent completed, and the 66kv Sub-Station at Milford Bay, Crown Point, which is ten (10%) percent completed. Additionally, T&TEC reported that the fi bre optic network expansion is near completion with 40km of cable installed. Table two (2) below represents the percentage completion of bulk power production and delivery during fi scal 2012.

Table 2: Percentage completion of bulk power production and delivery:

Production and Delivery of Bulk Power

No. of ongoing projects during fi scal 2012

% completeof ongoing projects as at the end of fi scal 2012

Cable circuits 1 48

Tower line 1 98

Substations 3

Pinto Road Substation 8

St. James Substation 10

Gateway Substation 81

2.1.4 Uninterrupted Electricity Supply

The Agency acquired forty two thousand metres (42,000m) of overhead line hoses; twenty thousand four hundred (22,400) insulators; twenty thousand (20,000) long stalk pins and thirty six thousand (36,000) polymeric insulators geared towards improving the reliability of the electricity supply.


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2.1.5 Disaster Preparedness

The disaster preparedness project was ten (10%) completed as at the end of fi scal 2012. A back-up control room was established and some emergency spares procured. There was also ongoing public and staff disaster preparedness training.

Table 3: Disaster Preparedness Project

Disaster Preparedness Project as at September, 2012

Project Amount Expenditure

$237,050,000.00 $25,769,658.00

2.2 Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPost) TTPost received the highest rating for customer satisfaction in fi scal 2012 with a MORI Poll rating of eighty-eight (88%) percent. The Corporation has spent much of this year hard at work to ensure readiness of its S42 Addressing Standard for national deployment in 2013. A pilot project is to be tested in Point Fortin and will be rolled out to the rest of the country. Once introduced, the Standard will not only ensure better

mail delivery but accurate response in future emergency or disaster situations. TTPost also recorded signifi cant achievements in several other project areas as follows:

2.2.1 Refurbishment of Delivery/Retail Offi ces

During the fi scal year 2012, TTPost scheduled fi ve (5) delivery/retail

offi ces for refurbishment. At the end of fi scal 2012, four (4) offi ces were completed with a 95% completion rate. Refurbishments were conducted on the:

1. Debe/Penal Delivery Offi ce;2. La Romain Delivery Offi ce; 3. Diego Martin Delivery Offi ce;

and4. St. Ann’s Delivery Offi ce.

TTPost reported that refurbishment of


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the Upper Santa Cruz Cantaro delivery offi ce was still in progress and will continue in fi scal 2013. A fi nancial summary of TTPost’s Minor Refurbishment Works as at September, 2012, is presented below (Table 4):

Table 4: Financial summary of TTPost’s Minor Refurbishment Works as at fi scal 2012

Project Actual % complete Project Allocation Expenditure

Minor Refurbishment Works 95 $2,000,000 $1,458,726

2.2.2 Other Refurbishment Work

The Corporation commenced other important initiatives to assist in generating additional revenue and improve its operations: These included:

1. The procurement of an air condition condenser for the

processing department of the National Mail Centre; and

2. The refurbishment of the National Mail Centre’s PO Box initiative - in progress; to be completed in fi scal 2013.

2.2.3 Records Management Repairs

TTPost has reported one hundred (100%) percent achievement for its records management project at a budgeted cost of $70,000.00.

2.3 Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT)

During fi scal 2012, TSTT continued its plan to modernise Trinidad and Tobago’s telecommunications sector; making it customer oriented and technologically enabled to provide effi cient, cost effective, quality services to all citizens. With this in mind, TSTT continued its progression towards the upgrade of the broadband wireless system. This was evident in the completion of forty six (46) free broadband wireless internet access zones, commonly referred to as B-zones, throughout Trinidad and Tobago.


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2.4 Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA)

2.4.1 Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP)

In fi scal 2012, fi fty-seven (57) projects were recorded under the PSIP. As at June, 2012, seven (7%) percent {four (4) out of the fi fty-seven (57) projects} were completed.

Status of WASA’s PSIP funded projects as at June 2012

Status of WASA’s Citicorpfunded projects as at June 2012

2.4.2 Citicorp (Twelve (12) month Development Plan)

In fi scal 2012, one hundred and nine (109) projects were recorded under WASA’s twelve (12) month development plan. As at June, 2012, no projects were completed. The pie charts indicate that the majority of WASA’s projects were still in the planning phase, i.e. approximately sixty-three (63%) percent of the projects under the PSIP and approximately seventy-seven (77%) percent of the projects under the Citicorp.


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2.4.3 Other Projects

WASA’s objective for projects funded under the NSDP for fi scal 2012 was the completion of one hundred and eighty (180) projects. Approximately 59% or 105 of these projects, were completed as at September 30th, 2012. There was an additional fi fty-one (51) or 28% of the projects in progress and twenty-four (24) or 13% of the projects in the planning stage. The pie chart below provides a graphical illustration of the status of NSDP projects.

Pie Charts showing WASA’s NSDP Projects

Table 5: Summary of NSDP project portfolio as at September 2012

WASA Status on NSDP Projects

Projects in Progress 51

Projects in Planning 24

Sub Total (In- progress and Planning) 75

Completed Projects 105

Total NSDP Projects 180

The Ministry of Public Utilities’ projects, programmes and service offerings over the fi scal period 2012 have benefi tted over 200,000 citizens in regions throughout Trinidad & Tobago. There has been an increase in the number of benefi ciaries in some services, while others certainly benefi tted through

improvement in the quality and standard of living. The MPU continues to deliver through its mandate, in compliance with our mission and core values.

In addition, strides were made in the improvement of operational effi ciency via timely reporting, stringent

monitoring of plans and programmes, as well as improvement in customer care and service delivery. The Ministry of Public Utilities intends to continue this trend in fi scal 2013. In this regard, closer collaboration with partner agencies, stakeholders and citizens will be a major priority.

Conclusion


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Ministry of Public Utilities#2 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair


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MINISTRY OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

The Utilities Assistance Programme will now pay up to:• $200 per year on your Water Bill• $684 per year on your Electricity Bill

In the case of Electricity bills:

• Qualifying T&TEC customers whose electricity consumption is 400kWh or less now receive a subsidy of $114 per bill or a maximum of $684 per year. This is up from $57 per bill or a maximum of $342 per year.

In the case of Water bills:

• WASA customers classifi ed as A2, that is, persons with an external water supply, now receive a credit of $140 per year up from the previous $70 per year.

• WASA customers classifi ed as A3 or A4, that is, persons with an internal water supply, non-metered and metered, will now receive a credit of $200 per year, up from the previous $100 per year.

For further information, contact the Customer Service Unit of the Ministry of Public Utilities at 628-9500 (ext. 1116, 1120).

Application Forms are available at any of WASA’s or T&TEC’s Customer Service Centres; the Ministry of Public Utilities, #2 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair; and on the Ministry of Public Utilities’ website: www. mpu.gov.tt.

Are you receivingSenior Citizens Pension, TT Food Card,Disability or Public Assistance Grant?

� e Utilities Assistance Programme may be able to assist in paying your utility bills.