A performance audit has unmasked severe structural and financial challenges at the National Water Commission (NWC), revealing that the utility provider is buckling under a staggering $33-billion debt while failing to execute critical water and sewerage infrastructure upgrades.

The findings are the latest in an Auditor General’s Department (AuGD) report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, following an evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the NWC’s management of capital projects.

Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis said the audit was done to assess alignment with the organisation’s budget and strategic objectives.