Frustrations for the City and residents as vandalism continues
MMC Michael Sun noted that both the Environment and Infrastructure Service Department and the City are deeply concerned about the increase of vandalism to its infrastructure.
Vandalism of City infrastructure continues to be a concern for the municipality and a pain for residents.
Hundreds of households in Sandton and extending areas recently experienced days of little to no water after a pressure-reducing valve at the outlet of the Marlboro Reservoir was vandalised on May 2.
According to a statement by City entity Johannesburg Water, this resulted in a major burst which required emergency repairs.
“Affected areas include Morningside, Sunninghill, Gallo Manor, Paulshof, Rivonia, Woodmead, Bryanston, Buccleuch, Wendywood and Jukskei View.”
Between May 2 and May 4, the City provided alternative water supplies by means of mobile water tankers.
In a statement on May 4, Johannesburg Water confirmed the repairs were successful but it would take some time for the network to fully recover.
MMC Michael Sun noted that both the Environment and Infrastructure Service Department (EISD) and the City were deeply concerned about the increase of vandalism to its infrastructure.
“City Power is dealing with an average of five incidents per day involving the theft or damage to our infrastructure, ranging from cable theft to senseless vandalism.
“Moreover, Joburg Water deals with multiple instances on a weekly basis whereby equipment and infrastructure is damaged or vandalised by would be thieves.”
He added that these groups are often well resourced and impersonate contractors meant to dig up and remove infrastructure.
“The impact is far reaching and goes beyond just the inconveniences caused by outages, both City Power and Joburg Water spends tens of millions of rands to repair and replace damaged infrastructure each year.”
Sun noted that the City is currently working with both Metro police and SAPS to bring the situation under control.
“Our efforts in trying to keep the lights on and taps running throughout the whole of Johannesburg would be greatly assisted by residents remaining vigilant and being our eyes and ears everywhere they are.”
Residents can call City Power on 0800 00 32 51 and/or Joburg Water on to report 0860 562 874 any suspicious activities or damaged infrastructure.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/299057/city-power-ramps-up-efforts-to-curb-illegal-connections/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/297482/joburg-water-announces-water-challenges-affecting-sandton-midrand-and-surrounds/
