While it admits that several traffic lights across the country were non-functional for a period due to outstanding payments owed to contractors, the Ministry of Works and Transport says closer investigations have revealed that in at least one instance, mischief was at play. 

“It should be noted that recent investigations have identified acts of sabotage and theft at the Morvant Intersection by a member of the public as a contributing factor to the malfunctioning traffic signals,” the Ministry revealed in a statement on Friday evening.

It added that a report has been forwarded to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for further investigation and “appropriate” action to be taken, it added.

Meanwhile, it said efforts were ongoing to have other affected stops back to functionality.

“Despite the reported cash flow challenges which have affected this project, the Ministry is currently utilising alternative means to have all the reported malfunctioning traffic signals repaired and fully operational in the shortest possible time.” 

Several of the affected stops have already been resolved.

“The Ministry is pleased to advise that the traffic signals, in question, in the Southern Region have been repaired and are fully operational at this time. These traffic signals include the Southern Connector Road/Union Hall Intersection, the Gulf City Intersection and the Paria Suites Intersection,” it confirmed.