Ministry laments theft of Traffic lights components

The Ministry of Public Works is currently distressed over the increased vandalism of components for Traffic and Highway lights. A press release from the Ministry stated that it has been burdened with replacing Highway Lights, Cobra head lamps, distribution cables (Triple wire), and 25 KVA Pole Mounted Transformers and Traffic Lights: S24 Traffic Controllers, Energy Meters, Batteries and the list goes on. Additionally, it seems customary following an accident, that persons assume the liberty to remove   system components including spans of Triplex Wire and other Line Hardware. These components are all very expensive and are not always easy to locate for purchase the Ministry said. According to the Works Ministry the expense attached to the replacement of these components prevents the Ministry from effectively carrying out its duties, as it subtracts from the annual maintenance budget for essential work. The Ministry said that it has taken positive measures to ensure that those areas, which are highly unsafe and accident-prone be provided with the necessary lighting requirements. Consequently, the Ministry continues to urge for the care and protection against vandalism of the lighting systems once they have been activated. Persons are asked to report any suspicious activity in and around the Traffic and Highway Lights, especially within proximity of their immediate neighborhood. Further, individuals are advised to record the licence plate number, and any advertisement associated with vehicles that are involved in vandalising government property. “It is in every one’s best interest to keep the Traffic and Highway lights functional.” The Ministry listed a number of areas where Traffic and Highway Lights Components were stolen: In Region 4 – Embankment & Cummings Lodge: Lamps 1-25kVA Pole Mounted Transformer (New transformer was chained to structure); Georgetown, Kitty Public Road: 1 Lamp (In vicinity of Pere St.); Georgetown, Clive Lloyd Drive: 3 Lamps; East Coast Demerara, Mahaicony: 1 Pole Span Triplex Wire; East Bank Demerara – Land of Caanan: 8 Pole Spans Triplex Wire. In Region Five – West Coast Berbice: 2 Pole spans Triplex Wire. Region Three- West Coast Demerara: Neuverflanders: 1 Pole Span Triplex Wire; West Bank Demerara – V/Hoop: 1 Pole Span Triplex Wire. Region 10 – Linden – Mackenzie/Amelia Ward: 8 Pole spans Triplex Wire Traffic Lights Robb & Camp Streets: S-24 Traffic Controller, Signal Wires, Power Meter. Sheriff & David Streets: Power Meter