The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has condemned a series of coordinated acts of theft and vandalism targeting the island’s critical water infrastructure, warning that the incidents have already caused widespread disruption and significant production losses.
According to THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, the attacks occurred between 4pm on March 27th and 2am on March 28th, during which power cables were cut and stolen from multiple key facilities, including Arnos Vale Well #4, Bacolet Well #3, wells along the Claude Noel Highway, the Bloody Bay Water Tank, and Bloody Bay Well #1.
“Let me be absolutely clear. This is not petty theft. This is not mischief. This is a direct and deliberate attack on essential public infrastructure. It is an act that borders on domestic terrorism.”
Mr. Augustine stated that these incidents have already caused a substantial loss in production of about 2.1 million gallons of water per day and, as a result, communities throughout Tobago are now experiencing disruptions to their water supply due to this reckless and hazardous behavior.
The Courland supply zone is currently among the hardest hit, with Crown Point and surrounding areas experiencing major disruptions. Additionally, communities along the Bloody Bay to Castara corridor,dependent solely on the Bloody Bay well and treatment plant, are expected to face ongoing supply issues.
Affected communities include Plymouth, Les Coteaux, Culloden, Seaview, Crown Point, Signal Hill, Patience Hill, Lambeau, Lowlands, and areas along the Claude Noel Highway, as well as the entire stretch from Bloody Bay to Castara.
The THA Chief Secretary said the matter has been formally reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and an investigation is now underway.
“I have instructed that this matter be treated with the highest level of urgency, and those responsible must be found and brought before the law. Let this also serve as a warning. Anyone found tampering with, vandalising, or stealing from public utilities is not only committing a serious criminal offence but is also endangering the health, safety, and economic stability of our people. We will pursue the strongest possible penalties under the law.”
Mr. Augustine assured that emergency measures are being implemented to secure remaining infrastructure, while additional protective arrangements are being coordinated to prevent further incidents. The THA is also working closely with the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
“The people of Tobago must understand the gravity of what has occurred. These actions threaten not only households but also hospitals, schools, businesses, and our tourism sector. This is an attack on the lifeblood of the island.”
Further details are expected at an emergency press briefing scheduled for 11am on March 29th, where Secretary Ricky Joefield and WASA officials will provide updates and outline response measures.
In the meantime, residents are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
