Representatives from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T)
yesterday visited Sophia, following yet another act of vandalism
on its service cables.
Specific areas targeted in Sophia recently were Plum Park, where 63
metres of the 200-pair cables, along with 310 metres of 100-pairs and
111 metres of 50-pairs were stripped and removed from utility poles,
while 100 metres of 200-pairs and 63 metres of 100 pairs were also
stolen in ‘B’ Field.
While speculation surrounding this recent dilemma suggests that the
copper is being stolen to facilitate the scrap metal trade, Security
Manager Edgar Blackman in addressing media operatives yesterday, called
on the government to review the scrap metal trade so as to assist not
only GT&T but persons in communities affected by these malicious
acts.
Residents in the area also vented their anger on the issue, stating that
they are worried that if something bad were to happen, there will be no
telephone connection to call for help.
“What if there was a fire or somebody got to go to the hospital or
something? People can’t call de fire service or the ambulance or taxi.
That is very troubling,” said Maylene Grant, a resident.
She added that the area’s residents are being put at a great
inconvenience due to the damage which has resulted in the telephone
lines being down. .
Repairs for these damaged cables have amounted to hundreds of thousands
of dollars.
Friday, April 13,
2012
