The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has condemned what it describes as a “brazen” wave of criminal vandalism and theft targeting its infrastructure, following incidents at several locations in south Trinidad.
According to the Authority, between midnight and 4 am today, unknown perpetrators removed brass couplings from water service connections at 13 locations along Mt Pleasant Road, Carolina, Springvale and Carolina Village.
The latest incident follows a similar occurrence on March 26, when five service connections were vandalised and stolen along Tambu Road West in Springvale, Claxton Bay. WASA said those connections have since been repaired.
In a statement issued this morning, the Authority said it was “outraged by these repeated, brazen attacks on public infrastructure,” noting that such acts disrupt its ability to deliver a reliable water supply.
WASA said it has since increased security presence at key facilities across the country and activated a dedicated Vandalism Hotline at 465-2949 for members of the public to report suspicious activity near its installations.
It also confirmed that repair works have begun at all affected sites to restore water service.
The Authority reminded that vandalism of public property is a criminal offence under the Summary Offences Act and the Malicious Damage Act, with offenders liable to fines and imprisonment.
“These acts of vandalism do not merely damage property, they undermine the Authority’s ability to provide reliable water services and disrupt the daily lives, health, and well-being of hardworking citizens,” WASA said.
It urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the hotline or the nearest police station.
“We will not allow criminal elements to hold our communities hostage. WASA stands ready to work with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
