THE Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (GT&T) has reported that telephone and other telecommunication services for thousands of its customers, including several businesses in and around the central Georgetown area, have been repeatedly disrupted over the past weeks as a result of what seems to be “organised rampant vandalism”. The company, in a release, said its records indicate more than 12 attacks over the past weeks, with the latest being yesterday, with two reports of the vandalism of 200 and 300 pairs of distribution cables at Independence and James Streets, Albouystown, and Meadow Brook/Durban Backlands.
Also, 200 pairs of cable in the Sophia area, which were vandalized on Friday and repaired over the weekend, was again the target of vandals.
Among some areas where cables were damaged between February 22 and March 2 are, Lilliendaal, Church Street, Woolford Avenue, Kara Kara Linden, Sophia, Houston Public Road, and South Road.
The latter location which was vandalised four times during the period, has affected commercial activities at Demerara and Citizens Banks.
GT&T is encouraging communities across Guyana to be vigilant in looking out for these vandals in an effort to help protect the equipment, so that vital telephone services can be offered uninterrupted to its customers.
Noting that “there is so much more we can and want to do but we are prevented by wicked acts such as these,” the company said in excess US$2M was expended to effect repairs caused by vandalism during 2011, and had pushed back installation of 350 new lines and repairs to over 300 faults.
“We want to assure our customers that the errant acts of vandals will not deter us from our commitment to providing our quality service to Guyana. We are cognizant of our strong customer base and we will continue to make every effort to ensure they (our customers) have the best telephone services the country can offer. “
Expressing regret for the needless inconvenience the malicious acts have caused, GT&T is again urging all Guyanese to be vigilant and to immediately report any suspected acts of vandalism to its cables and equipment section.
Calls can be placed to the company’s ‘Vandalism Hotline” number – 0908, the release added.