The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has expressed outrage following the theft of a power cable at the St. Joseph Booster Station in Mayaro — the latest in what the Authority is describing as a pattern of criminal sabotage targeting the nation’s water infrastructure.
On Tuesday 12th May 2026, at approximately 12:30 a.m., WASA personnel discovered that the power cable running from the T&TEC power supply to the meter at the St. Joseph Booster Station was missing.
The matter was immediately escalated and a formal report was made to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
In a strongly worded media release issued Wednesday, WASA called the theft “a direct assault on the rights of law-abiding citizens,” stating that acts of sabotage of this nature disrupt pipe-borne water supply to communities, causing hardship for families and businesses alike.
“These criminals are stealing from the public trust,” the Authority declared.
WASA was unequivocal in its characterisation of the incident, pushing back against any notion that cable theft of this nature is a minor or victimless offence.
“This act of vandalism is not a victimless crime. Sabotage of this nature disrupts pipe-borne water supply to communities, causing hardship for families and businesses,” the Authority stated.
The stolen power cable constitutes infrastructure belonging to a public utility. Under Trinidad and Tobago law, perpetrators face serious legal consequences — specifically under the Summary Offences Act (Chapter 11:02) and the Malicious Damage Act (Chapter 11:06), which provide for fines and imprisonment for individuals found guilty of damaging public infrastructure.
The TTPS is actively investigating the theft. WASA confirmed it has strengthened its collaboration with the police service to ensure matters of this nature receive priority attention.
The Authority is also urging the public to play an active role in protecting national infrastructure by reporting any suspicious activity at WASA installations to the relevant authorities.