By Sue-Ann Wayow
POLICE have launched an investigation into an attempt to sabotage the pump site belonging to the Ministry of Works and Transport at Bamboo No.3, an attempt that could have caused extensive damage.
Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan along with a team from the ministry visited the area on Thursday after the attempt the day before.
A ministry’s press release stated, “On May 25, 2022, a malicious attempt of vandalism and arson was made at the Bamboo #3 Pump Site. Preliminary investigations reveal that assailants attempted to set fire to the pump’s discharge line, which could have spread to the main pump house and destroyed the overall functionality of the equipment and pump site.”
Sinanan praised the successful attempt of residents and the Drainage Division’s watchman for halting the full extent of the criminal attempt.
The minister said, “The Ministry has completed extensive work in preparation for the rainy season. Unfortunately, these malevolent actions seek to undermine the solutions now being implemented to reduce the impact of flooding in high-risk communities.”
He added, “Approximately 1000 persons and businesses stand to be affected if this pump was damaged in the attack.”
The incident represented unfortunately a growing trend in which individuals deliberately seek to damage equipment intended to provide critical drainage for the communities they serve, the ministry stated.
The ministry added that three other similar incidents over the past six months are also being investigated, including vandalism and theft at the South Quay and Sea Lots pump houses and the recent theft of a battery at the Williams Street pump site in Aranguez.
An official report to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has been made.
“The Ministry of Works and Transport wishes to remind the general public that the willful damage to Government property is a crime and anyone who witnesses the attempt of such actions should make a report to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service,” the ministry stated
