The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation is concerned by the continuing acts of theft and vandalism of water related metals and infrastructure. The recent incident which took place in Athlone Park, eThekwini Municipality led to water interruptions in neighbourhoods around the area.
The Committee reiterates its call for vigilance by every member of the community, especially because this scourge cannot be defeated only by the police. “It is only through a joint effort by members of the community, local government as well as the police can we ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are arrested and prosecuted,” said Mr Mlungisi Johnson, the Chairperson of the Committee.
The Committee further calls for stricter regulation of the metal recycling businesses, mainly because the Committee believes that a majority of these metals end up within this industry. It is also upon individual business people to act responsibly by declining to purchase metal that might have been stolen. “By buying stolen metals business people become active participants and are therefore themselves implicated in the criminal activity,” Mr Johnson emphasised.
While the primary consequence of these crimes is a lack of water, the far-reaching socio-economic impact is dire. The Department of Water and Sanitation as well as municipalities are forced to redirect recourses meant for other development initiative towards the replacement of these metals.
The Committee commends the municipality for speedily dispatching water tankers to ensure that communities have access to water. The municipality must act with the same speed to restore water supply.
Enquiries:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403-8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
