STEPHON NICHOLAS
Senior Reporter
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has expressed disappointment after nine suspects detained in connection with vandalism against Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) infrastructure were released.
The suspects, including a WASA employee, were freed after being held for questioning around April 1.
At a media conference on Thursday, Augustine said he had not been briefed on the investigation beyond the identities of those arrested.
“My disappointment only stems from the fact I really want the culprits to pay for it. I am not sure how much evidence the police has.”
He said the affected sites had no CCTV coverage or security presence at the time of the attacks.
“I did make a call for tightened security around these facilities. I really would hope the culprits can be brought to bear some responsibility for what they did because it cost the State a lot to have these electrical installed at all these facilities.”
The vandalism occurred between March 27 and 28, affecting electrical systems at wells in Arnos Vale, Bloody Vay, Bacolet and along the Claude Noel Highway in Trinidad and Tobago.
The damage disrupted water supply across the island, leaving around 17 communities, from Crown Point to Parlatuvier, with dry taps or low pressure.
Authorities estimated about 2.1 million gallons of water were lost daily as a result.
The disruption came as Tobago was preparing for the busy Easter period, with thousands of visitors expected.
