Continuous incidents of vandalism across the metro, especially that of water and electricity infrastructure, has led to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urging residents to report any such incidents that may occur.
According to acting executive director for infrastructure and engineering in the metro, Joseph Tsatsire, Nelson Mandela Bay has recently been suffering from a string of vandalism incidents.
He referred to an incident that took place in Perseverance last week, whereby vandals destroyed the water-infrastructure in the area, affecting water distribution systems. “Incidents like these often result in disruptions to our water supply for the residents who need it most,” Tsatsire said.
He added that the damage caused to infrastructure cost the metro approximately R11 000.
“It doesn’t only end with the monetary impact that vandalism has on the metro but also involves people not having water, which they require, as it is a basic need,” he added.
“The metro is appealing to all residents to look after our infrastructure and report all people that are vandalising and stealing from our water-infrastructure,” Tsatsire said.
Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Nqaba Bhanga, has once again warned potential vandals that the metro has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to vandalism, particularly that of electricity- and water- infrastructure or other municipal facilities.
Bhanga referred to a recent incident, where two suspects were arrested by municipal security, supported by the metro police, for allegedly vandalising the Motherwell NU30 Hall.
The two were arrested with the assistance of the community and taken to the Motherwell police station.
For the past year, the metro has also been faced with incidents of different libraries and other municipal buildings, including councillors’ offices, community halls and electricity substations, in certain neighbourhoods, being vandalised.
Some of these incidents even took place at the beachfront, where toilet facilities were vandalised and copper cables stolen from taps and showers.
Speaking about vandalism in the metro, Bhanga said that those responsible would be brought to book.
“Culprits must be warned; the newly introduced anti-vandalism strategy of the metro is clamping down on such acts. The metro is taking a zero tolerance approach to vandalism of facilities.
“The strong arm of the law will have no mercy, as these incidents have a severe impact on efficient service delivery and the improvement of people’s lives,” Bhanga said.
“Help us by reporting any acts of vandalism,” he pleaded.
