19 manhole covers stolen in past 3 weeks

by Nick Delgado

Guam - The Guam Power Authority hit again by thieves - this time 19 manhole covers have been stolen. According to GPA spokesperson Art Perez the reported thefts occurred in recent weeks and took place from the Tanguission Power Plant to the Harmon Substation. He says this area provides power to parts of the northern and central parts of the island, and the items stolen served as an access for underground crews when working on the 34,000 voltage transmission lines.

"Our main concern is the safety, these manhole covers although they weigh 120 pounds they were stolen and they were stolen in such a number that causes a concern for us, and these high voltage lines exposed with somebody walking by is just a dangerous situation," he said.

Perez adds GPA will have to pull funds from its budget to replace the manhole covers that cost $200 each. While prevention measures are being discussed, Perez is asking anyone in the community with information to contact GPD or GPA's Revenue and Protection Section at 475-1472.