EKURHULENI – Theft of an air conditioning system in 2013 in the new council chambers, for which you will need a crane and 22-wheel horse and trailer truck should you remove the complete system, raised serious questions.
This was revealed when written answers were given during the March 2014 Council Meeting on questions regarding the air conditioner that was stolen, asked by Clr. Izak Berg (IRASA) to the MMC Corporate and Shared Services.
The MMC responded by saying that the units of the air conditioner must have been stripped over time during the winter period of 2013. The mechanical department informed them during August 2013. Total damage caused as a result of the theft is estimated to be R250 000. The MMC further answered that it could not have happened over a weekend as the bulk of the frame and other components are still fixed on the roof.
Berg said that it is a concern, seeing that both in-house guards and private security guards are on duty at the premises and that it will take a truck of a few tons to have removed the stolen units.
The MMC replied that the stolen goods were insured, and although a criminal case was opened, the MMC could not supply a criminal case number to Berg’s question. The MMC also stated that the claim has been processed and the council will await the outcome of the insurance assessors in determining the value.
Berg disputes it, “because a claim can’t be processed without a case number, and the MMC in an earlier answer said that EMPD (Ambrose Adams) is currently working on the case number, as it is difficult to obtain a case number from SAPS as the time period for allocating a case number has expired.
“It unacceptable because the Council works with ratepayers’ money, and this is why there is a don’t care attitude in the EMM by not taking action against the security company and guards on duty during that period and to ensure a case number was obtained on time. The fact that a case number was not obtained will result once again in the ratepayers footing the bill instead of the insurance company,” Berg said.
Berg has requested MPAC to investigate the matter and to give a full report to Council once the investigation has been concluded.
