KwaThema – Ward 77 councillor Johanness Sibeko is calling on residents to protect municipal facilities in their areas.
He was speaking in relation to the vandalised offices inside the KwaThema Cemetery located in Extension Two.
Over the years the offices have turned into white-elephant buildings, to the point that drug addicts are finding refuge in them.
The two offices that were meant to house municipal officials stationed at the cemetery have been stripped of doors and windows and the furniture has been stolen.
ALSO READ:
Vandals target school for learners with special needs
Sibeko says the facilities fell apart because there was no one there to monitor and safeguard the cemetery.
“The offices were also meant to be used as emergency stations for the grieving families should there be a need during the funeral.
“The officials stationed in the facility were mandated to assist the families to locate lost graves should the family forget where their loved ones were buried.
“There are no security guards to prevent residents from using the facility as a thoroughfare into the neighbouring areas.”
Sibeko says because there are no security guards, drug addicts use the buildings to sleep and take drugs.
ALSO READ:
Schools burgled and vandalised
“They know their chances of being arrested or judged by society are very low.
“We have also, over the years, received complaints from residents who have been mugged on the premises.
“If there were security guards patrolling the area daily, there wouldn’t be such incidents,” he says.
Sibeko says the facilities are localised to make it easy for residents to access municipal services.
“It is our responsibility to look after and protect these facilities,” he adds.
African Reporter submitted a media enquiry to the municipality for comment on the state of the cemetery, but at the time of going to print no response had been received.
