An action plan to curb the rampant vandalism of municipal assets and infrastructure, that has been rife over the past year in Nelson Mandela Bay, was discussed in the metro’s new multi-party coalition’s first mayoral committee meeting, held recently.
Vandalism of municipal assets and infrastructure in the metro is widespread and since the start of the national lockdown in March 2020, several incidents have been reported where municipal buildings, offices, community centres, libraries, electricity substations and water pump stations have been vandalised.
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, said that immediate intervention was needed to save these municipal assets from total collapse.
“The new multi-party coalition government plans to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated and well-structured response to this crisis,” Bhanga said. “In the deliberations, the mayoral committee discussed urgent short-term and medium to longer-term interventions that will be rolled out.”
Elements of the plan, to be finalised and implemented urgently, include:
- Optimising internal municipal security services;
- Utilising cost-effective security technology;
- Comprehensive community mobilisation and education;
- Establishing partnerships with external stakeholders, such as ward committees, community policing forums and street committees.
“Vandalism of municipal assets and infrastructure is classified as a serious crime in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, and carries a potential prison sentence of 30 years.
“We therefore welcome the 17 arrests for vandalism and theft of assets that our safety and security directorate has already made,” Bhanga said.
“The new multi-party coalition government calls on every resident in our metro to join hands with us as we fight the scourge of vandalism.
“The government is the custodian of these assets, but they belong to residents and are intended to serve our communities,” Bhanga said.
