The Irrigation Act of 1949 has been amended by the Irrigation (Amendment) Act 1999.  The new penalties under this Amendment are as follows: -

 

Major Offences

 

§   Stealing water or willfully causing water conserved by the NIC to go to waste, e.g. washing of vehicles and clothes;

 

§   Willfully or maliciously, blocking up or obstructing irrigation infrastructure, e.g. dumping of garbage;

 

§ Damaging or tampering with irrigation infrastructure e.g. opening or closing sluices, water gates, regulators, pipes, bench marks, or water gauges, etc.

 

Penalties

 

§ Imprisonment for three (3) years and/ or a fine of $100,000.

 

 

 

Minor Offences

 

§ Obstructing, molesting or hindering any worker/agent of the Commission.

 

Penalties

 

§ A fine of $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding twelve (12) months.