TURFFONTEIN – Over the past month Cotlands has battled due to a series of copper pipe thefts which have left the non-profit organisation without water.
The consequences are dire, as the child care unit which houses and cares for abandoned babies cannot provide these children with the most basic of human rights – the right to water.
The theft further impacts on the organisations charitable work in the community as funds that should be used to improve the quality of life for vulnerable children now has to be channelled towards the repair and replacement of piping.
“This is an unnecessary spending of donor funds. As a non-profit organisation that depends on the goodwill of others we cannot afford these kinds of costs,” said Cotlands CEO Jackie Schoeman.
This is the third copper theft incident at Cotlands this month (October). The theft has already cost the organisation more than R5 000.
The cost of replacing the copper pipes with plastic is R5 500.
Cotlands appeals to its neighbours and to the community at large to be vigilant and to assist in preventing further damage to its property.
“Cotlands provides a valuable service to the children of Johannesburg and we appeal to those who steal and to those who buy stolen copper to think about the consequences of their actions,” added Schoeman.
Any donation towards the replacement of these pipes will be appreciated.
