The underbelly of Joburg was recently revealed when Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba delved into the world of illegal mining, vandalism and illegal activities.
Although illegal mining is not a concern in Joburg’s northern suburbs, in the west, south and east, illegal miners run rampant. Northern suburbs’ residents, on the other hand, face cable and infrastructure theft. In the inner city, road infrastructure theft is also highly common.
With only five months into the 2017/2018 financial year, the Johannesburg Roads Agency reported that theft and vandalism have cost the City R12,3 million to repair and replace missing manhole covers, traffic signal poles, copper cables, road signage, guardrails, traffic signal poles and even bridge railings. Mashaba said that of the 31 CCTV cameras installed, only three remain in operation and 31 of 427 uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units to run traffic signals have been stolen this year.
“Insurance claims have risen to R4,4 million due to accident damage arising from stolen road infrastructure and people falling into open manholes.”
Even at the bases of bridge pillars, covers have been stripped and the homeless make shelters beneath them.
Joburg’s drains have become shelters, some people often climbing down manhole covers. Recyclers would dunk recovered materials into any source of water to make it heavier, so they can fetch a higher price for it. Lately, jewellery mining in sewers has also reared its head. These acts have caused a major blockage problem for Johannesburg Water.
Mashaba said on 22 November that he has called for immediate intervention of City officials, stakeholders, entities and public-sector policing to help stop this tug of war with the City’s infrastructure.
“We are calling on our stakeholders to collaborate with us in putting an end to this direct sabotage of our operations and our mandate in delivering services. The safety of our residents and all road users is paramount. Scrap dealers aiding and abetting in the sale and purchase of stolen road-related infrastructure will be prosecuted.”
The City is equally concerned about the impending threat posed by illegal mining syndicates, with activity reported at decommissioned mines across the city, including mining activities along the M2 highway, M1 Double Decker Bridge, Main Reef and Nasrec roads, including FNB Stadium where the bulk of Transnet fuel supplies and Sasol gas pipelines traverse.
“The use of explosives has now compromised public safety, with increased reports of tremors and illegal mining activity reported in close proximity to pipelines carrying gas and fuel.”
And the need for fresh water to mine has seen illegal water connections being made.
“I have called for a collaborative crackdown operation with the Department of Mineral Resources, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Roads and Transport, JMPD, SAPS and Hawks to halt illegal mining activities. Perpetrators caught will be charged and can serve up to 30 years imprisonment for vandalising sensitive city infrastructure.
“The City is also exploring additional measures to fast-track persecution of criminals and engagement is underway with rolling out of more municipal courts.”
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