The Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday warned that serious action will be taken against anyone caught vandalizing telephone cables.
In a statement, the ministry noted incidents of vandalism of cables belonging to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), said to be perpetrated by unscrupulous persons for the purpose of acquiring copper.
Acknowledging the implications of downed telephone lines, the ministry urged persons to desist from the criminal activity and warned of serious action against those caught.
The ministry also asked that members of the public be vigilant, and report any suspicious activity in regard to telephone cables in their neighbourhood.
Last month, GT&T pegged its losses as a result of the theft of cables at over $400 million, as it launched countrywide “Help us Help you” programme to catch perpetrators. Among the areas identified as being worst hit by the vandalism are Cummings Lodge, Houston and Sophia, with 53 other communities affected.
Then GT&T CEO Yog Mahadeo said the over $400 million quoted was only for cable replacement as the company was still calculating revenue loss from possible calls, internet and other areas affected by the theft. He also said the theft was crippling the company, causing many setbacks not only to DSL and landline phone users but delaying services to new applicants by more than half a year in some cases.
