HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The Office of the Attorney General has launched an investigation into “illegal damages” to public roadways allegedly caused by the Guam Waterworks Authority.
Attorney General Douglas Moylan informed GWA General Manger Miguel Bordallo about the investigation on Monday, telling the head of the water utility that it is recommended that the agency’s engineering and management staff “immediately” touch base with OAG investigator Keane Pangelinan. Moylan also requested that GWA submit a plan on how it intended to alleviate damage to roadways and ensure “a level and lasting repair” that will match or exceed the roadway’s original construction.
“As part of its operations, leaks occurred beneath government-owned roadways, requiring repairs. However, after digging up the roadway, GWA consistently failed to properly restore the people of Guam’s property. GWA’s act, or lack thereof, took from the people of Guam value,” Moylan stated in his letter.
“The injury to the public interests include apparent violations of criminal code provisions 9 (Guam Code Annotated) §§ 34.50 and 34.60 (criminal mischief), 55.45 (obstructing governmental function) and 49.90 (official misconduct), to name a few. Moreover, numerous civil claims include for public nuisance, conversion, trespass to property, and violations of Guam’s Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, to name a few,” Moylan added.
As an example of the “staggering number of illegal damages” allegedly caused by GWA, utility personnel caused “no fewer” than seven areas of damage to a highly traveled roadway in Dededo along Alageta Street, according to Moylan.
“The undersigned attorney general issues this letter on behalf of the people of Guam to protect the public interest. This communication shall not limit nor preclude the people of Guam’s right to proceed against the responsible persons for prior, current or future civil and criminal enforcement and restitution actions,” Moylan stated.
The attorney general’s office included a form it created to begin the process of reporting damage to the office. The form is being disseminated to each village mayor and is available online, the OAG said in a press release.
“They will be compiled by our team of civil and criminal investigators in our investigating and possibly prosecution of GWA management and other government officials responsible for these illegal damages. GWA’s sloppy and mismanaged ‘repair’ operations constitute a clear and present threat to the people of Guam, and poses an injury to our community,” the OAG stated.
A backhoe digs a hole as a Guam Waterworks Authority crew gets ready to make repairs Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Dededo.
