‘This criminal act in question marks a growing trend across Trinidad…’ – Ministry of Works and Transport
The theft occurred on Monday and was described as “a callous disregard for Government property.”
The ministry in a press release on Tuesday stated, “This criminal act in question marks a growing trend across Trinidad in which members of the public continue to steal manhole covers, thereby threatening public safety, imposing surplus costs and exacerbating the risk of flooding.”
The actions work against the ministry’s efforts to achieve safer roads and drainage efficiency in the vicinity. The removal of these covers exposes pedestrians to serious bodily harm, particularly young students given the close proximity to the Sangre Grande Government Primary School, the ministry added.
The ministry stated that replacing the items would incur a substantial cost to the ministry which could be better utilised to advance sustainable projects across Trinidad.
Recently, there was also an arson attempt to sabotage ministry’s equipment commissioned to reduce flooding in Bamboo #3.
Three other similar attacks against drainage infrastructure occurred over the past six months and are currently under investigation.
Once again, the ministry appealed to the public to refrain from the deliberate destruction of Government property as publicly owned equipment and materials are purchased to improve lives and maintain the efficient functioning of society.
The removal, theft, or tampering with public assets is an offence punishable under law.
Anyone with knowledge of such illegal activity is encouraged to report all relevant information to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
