More security at WASA wells after vandalism

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) said it has ramped up security at its water wells after they suffered several acts of vandalism over the past year.

The latest attack took place on Monday at its Fyzabad Well No 8, when parts from the electrical system were removed. It was the first such incident for the year at this well. The damage left the well inoperable, WASA’s communications manager Daniel Plenty said.

Newsday understands that repairs were completed late on Wednesday evening and water has been restored to the affected areas along Guapo Road.

The well, which produces 82,000 gallons of water a day, services about 19 per cent of the production at the Fyzabad Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and was previously vandalised in August and October last year.

Plenty said, “The authority has been increasing patrols to such facilities and has started using technological solutions to monitor activities and respond to intrusion.

“There have been similar incidents in other parts of the country affecting Siparia Wells Nos 2 and 15, Techier Well 21 in February this year and Chacon Booster Station in San Fernando in March.”

He urged the public to report all acts of vandalism or suspicious activity at the authority's installations to the police or to WASA's customer call centre at 800-4420/4426.