Black market leaves Krugersdorp manhole cover-less
Cast iron manhole covers can fetch up to R500 when sold off as scrap metal, and it's the reason they go missing so often.
Manhole covers sold on the black market could be the cause of so many of them being missing in Krugersdorp.
“It has come to Mogale City Local Municipality’s attention that missing and dislodged manhole covers, grids and water covers found in our roads, sidewalks, parks and other areas lead to serious car accidents, personal injuries and possible insurance claims,” a statement on Mogale City’s website read.
According to the statement, it is because of a rise of manhole cover, water meter cover, storm water grid and metal frame theft.
Mogale City’s Infrastructure Services department said thousands of cast iron manhole covers are sold as scrap metals on the black market every year throughout South Africa, resulting in several serious economic and public safety issues.
While open manholes can pose a dangerous threat to pedestrians and vehicles, open manholes give access to underground cabling – encouraging cable theft.
Theft of manhole covers, grids, frames and hydrant boxes is a regular occurrence in the Krugersdorp CBD and surrounding areas and has cost the municipality over R50 000 from January to date in replacement costs alone.
Cast iron manhole covers can fetch up to R500 when sold off as scrap metal.
Traditionally, these manhole covers were made of cast iron.
“New innovations in material design resulted in the development of alternative products such as concrete, polymer concrete or polymer which are light and strong enough to be used for the same purpose,” the department explained.
Like the accident the News reported on in June this year, many dislodged manhole covers are the causes of serious car accidents.
“When disturbed in the process of stealing, thieves leave covers lying right in the middle of the road, posing a danger to both pedestrians and motorists.”
The municipality is in the process of replacing stolen and vandalised infrastructure with alternative products that has little resale value.
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