The Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers Association (TTSIDA) has strongly condemned recent acts of vandalism targeting infrastructure owned by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), describing the incidents as a growing threat to national development and public welfare.

In a statement, the Association expressed deep concern over what it says appears to be an increase in such activities across the country. It warned that the trend is both troubling and harmful, particularly as it disrupts essential services and negatively impacts citizens.

While investigations into the incidents are ongoing, TTSIDA made it clear that it has no knowledge of any of its members being involved in the criminal acts. However, the Association highlighted a longstanding issue within the sector: the presence of individuals and entities operating illegally by purchasing scrap metal without the necessary licences.

TTSIDA is calling on the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to intensify enforcement measures, including conducting random inspections aimed at identifying and taking action against unlicensed operators.

The Association is also urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the theft or illegal sale of scrap metal.

Reaffirming its position, TTSIDA stated that it will not tolerate actions that disrupt the lives of citizens or damage critical infrastructure. It also noted that the scrap iron industry is still recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and warned that further setbacks, including the possibility of another shutdown, could have serious consequences for the sector.

According to WASA, between midnight and 4 a.m. on Friday, unknown individuals removed brass couplings from water service connections at 13 locations along Mt Pleasant Road, Carolina, Springvale, and Carolina Village.

WASA said the incident follows a similar case on March 26th, when five connections were vandalised along Tambu Road West in Springvale, Claxton Bay.