Caption: WASA old station in Caparo. AZP News/Sue-Ann Wayow
Summary
- Repeated Sabotage: WASA has reported two major incidents of vandalism at Penal Wells #17 and #18 on February 24 and March 16, resulting in stolen T&TEC meters and severed electrical cables.
- Costly Damages: The attacks have significantly disrupted the local water supply, causing production losses of up to 0.14 million gallons per day and over $23,000 in repair costs.
- Public Appeal: WASA CEO Dain Maharaj strongly condemned the actions as an attack on critical national infrastructure and urged citizens to report suspicious activity to the Vandalism Hotline at 496-6738.
By Prior Beharry
THE Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) notes repeated attacks on critical water infrastructure in South-West Trinidad, following two recent incidents of vandalism at Penal Wells #17 and #18.
According to a press release issued by the authority on Friday, the facilities were targeted on February 24 and again on March 16. During the attacks, vandals cut electrical cables and stole T&TEC meters, causing significant damage to the wells’ operational systems.
The sabotage has resulted in production losses of 0.12 million gallons per day (IMGD) in February and 0.14 IMGD during the most recent incident. WASA estimates that repair costs have already surpassed $23,000.
WASA Chief Executive Officer Dain Maharaj condemned the destruction.
He said, “These acts of vandalism are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Maharaj said, “They represent a direct attack on critical national infrastructure and place an unnecessary financial burden on the Authority. This behaviour must stop.”
Maharaj also appealed to citizens for assistance in curbing the attacks.
“We are calling on members of the public to report any suspicious activity so that together we can protect these facilities and hold those responsible accountable,” he said.
The Authority reminded the public that vandalising state property is a criminal offence. Under Section 25 of the Summary Offences Act and Section 45 of the Malicious Damage Act, anyone who wilfully or maliciously damages public property is liable to severe penalties upon conviction, including hefty fines and imprisonment.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activity around WASA facilities by contacting the Vandalism Hotline at 496-6738.
