Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales says the budgetary estimates for the Water And Sewerage Authority does not suggest an intention on the part of the government to reduce staff.

He made the declaration as he made his first appearance before the Standing Finance Committee yesterday.

The Minister was responding to Chairman of the committee Rushton Paray.

The Minister was further questioned on the matter and said his government was nowhere close to being in a position to cut staff.

He reiterated there is a committee in place that is looking into the operations of WASA.