At least 28 traffic lights in Georgetown have been vandalised and their batteries have been stolen, according to the Public Infrastructure Ministry.
Vandalised traffic light
The issue of the traffic lights being vandalised was raised in September last but as of recent, the issue has become a major concern for the Ministry which claimed that it is impossible to protect the facilities.
As a result of the vandalism, the traffic lights are unable to function, thus, causing much concern for commuters.
According to the Ministry, the batteries will cost over G$2 million to replace. Not only did the vandals remove the solar-powered batteries, but also the backups.
Minister David Patterson
Subject Minister David Patterson, speaking at a recent press briefing, explained that while the necessary information and evidence have been handed over to the Police, nothing of substance has come out of the investigations.
The Ministry, he stated, is open to suggestions as to what could be done to prevent this from occurring in the future, as such vandalism is costing the country.
“It is highly irresponsible, not only for the persons that are stealing the batteries but also the persons who are buying the batteries. They are equally or more culpable for encouraging such acts,” said Patterson.
According to Patterson, the lights are solar-powered, using solar energy during daylight and storing the excess power for use at night.
As such, Patterson stressed that the public needs to play its part in dealing with such criminal acts since the Police cannot handle the job alone.
“The Public Security Ministry may have other issues to look at that may be of more importance…that may be why we have such a low prosecution number,” the Minister outlined.
He highlighted that they will continue with their campaigns to sensitise the public while pointing out that persons can take photos and post same on the Ministry’s Facebook page.
During a press conference on Wednesday last, the Minister stated that the Ministry is unable to put a stop to the constant vandalism of its properties and other structures across the country.
From traffic lights to the newly-commissioned overhead pedestrian crossings, many public structures continue to be vandalised daily.
In August 2019, parts of the pedestrian overpasses at Diamond and Providence were stolen. During an inspection, engineers observed that the elevator’s glass door at Providence, EBD was smashed and electrical and solar panel lights were stolen while at the Diamond overpass; wires were disconnected from the camera systems and both the no-cycle and disable signs were stolen.
Further, the corrugated electrical wire cover was removed, the earthing connection was vandalised and its protective cover was stolen.
A US$364,000 contract was awarded for the construction of a pedestrian overpass at Diamond and a US$1 million contract for those at Houston, Peter’s Hall, and Providence. The overpasses were constructed to ensure pedestrians can cross the road safely.
During the construction of the overpasses, security cameras and other measures were put in place to nab perpetrators.
The contract for the overpasses at Houston, Eccles and Peter’s Hall was awarded to B and J Civil Works in the sum of US$1,034,326. Meanwhile, there were separate contracts for the Providence and Diamond overpasses which were both awarded to S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services to the tune of US$364,247 and US$364,727 respectively.
Trinidadian supervision firm – RM Engineering Limited – was recruited to oversee the construction of the overpasses.
It was recently observed two days ago that the batteries from the traffic light on the main access Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara were stolen and vandalised.
