Second attack on WASA infrastructure disrupts Tabaquite water supply

WASA Chief Executive Officer Dain Maharaj has condemned what he described as a second brazen attack on the Authority’s infrastructure in less than 24 hours, following the theft of electrical wiring at the Tabaquite Booster Station.

Maharaj said the incident was discovered at approximately 5 a.m. today and forced the immediate shutdown of the facility, disrupting water service to thousands of residents in Tabaquite and surrounding communities. Customers are experiencing low water pressure or complete service interruptions as a result.

He noted that the incident follows a similar act of vandalism at the Biche Booster Station less than 24 hours earlier, where unknown individuals stole critical electrical wiring, causing a complete power failure at the facility. The Biche incident, which was discovered early yesterday morning, forced the station offline at 6 a.m. and disrupted water supply to several communities, including Charuma, Biche, Plumitan and surrounding areas. T&TEC was notified immediately, and teams from both agencies were deployed to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore service.

Maharaj said these were not victimless crimes, as attacks on critical infrastructure directly affect families, schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and vulnerable members of society.

WASA’s technical teams, working alongside the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), have mobilised to restore operations. Maharaj said repairs are underway and the Tabaquite Booster Station is expected to return to service by 7.30 p.m. today.

He added that repeated attacks divert resources away from system improvements and place additional strain on infrastructure maintenance efforts.

Maharaj urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities near booster stations, treatment plants, reservoirs and other utility facilities.

Suspicious activity can be reported anonymously through WASA’s vandalism hotline at 496-6738.

He said WASA is working closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Maharaj warned that attacks on the nation’s water infrastructure affect the people of Trinidad and Tobago and called for a united national response to protect critical public utilities.