By Sue-Ann Wayow
FOR the year so far, 161 people have been taken before the courts on matters related to cable theft.
And since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been an increase in the vandalism of copper wire.
This is according to the Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT).
The company in a statement on Wednesday issued a release stating that it was disappointed in remarks made by president of the Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers Association (TTSIDA) Allan Ferguson that TSTT was to blame for the increase in copper theft that resulted even in death for some.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Ferguson said that the TTSIDA will take no blame for any occurrence of cable theft and that TSTT should take full responsibility for their wires.
TSTT stated that since 2018 it announced that as part of its digital transformation thrust, the company would be sunsetting its copper plant and migrating customers to wireless and fibre solutions both of which are better suited to meet the needs of customers in this digital age.
TSTT stated, “While copper theft is not a new phenomenon, there has been a significant increase in the vandalism of TSTT’s copper plant and the theft of copper cables since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“TSTT, in no uncertain terms, condemns this criminal activity and the actions of rogue scrap iron dealers who fuel the illicit trade by purchasing the stolen material. The haphazard, unauthorised removal of copper cables poses a tremendous risk to the vandals and others. It endangers the lives of those directly involved, compromises the safety of residents and motorists, and contributes to often widespread service outages.”
The company said that while considerable progress transitioning customers to wireless and fibre alternatives has been made it still has active customers who rely on copper for much-needed service.
TSTT added that when vandals damage non-copper cables in the process, it adversely affects TSTT’s customers and other utility providers as well.
“Admittedly, the company has had to incur significant costs as a result of the unlawful removal of its copper cables. The risk inherent in the copper removal process must not be trivialised. The safe and proper removal of copper cables must be performed by competent, certified professionals with knowledge of voltage clearances, experience working near high tension and lashing wires, and access to approved tools and equipment,” TSTT stated.
It stated that in addition to Occupational, Health, and Safety factors, the wrecking of TSTT’s copper plant must adhere to the company’s purchasing policies and procedures and receive approval from its Procurement and Disposal Advisory Committee.
Approvals required from stakeholders external to TSTT must also be obtained.
Referring to TTSIDA, TSTT stated that it has a longstanding, fruitful relationship with TTTSIDA.
“Therefore, the sentiments strongly expressed by the Association’s President at their May 3, 2022, press conference are nothing short of disappointing. TSTT is committed to following the company’s established procurement and disposal practices and will not, under any circumstances, be strongarmed into disregarding its due diligence requirements to satisfy another party’s agenda,” TSTT stated.
The state-owned company reminded members of the public that criminal activities of this nature attract severe penalties under the Telecommunications Act.
According to Section 69 (1) of the Act, a person who maliciously damages, removes, or destroys facility works or other installation of a public network or a public telecommunications service commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to $250,000 and to imprisonment of up to five years.
TSTT thanked the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the law enforcement agencies that it works closely with to bring matters before the court and also members of the public for reporting instances of cable theft and urges them to continue doing so by calling 800-0688.
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