MEDIA STATEMENT
22 November 2024
To all Media
ORTDM CONDEMNS CONTINUOUS VANDALISM OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
O. R. Tambo District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr. Mesuli Ngqondwana, is expressing profound frustration and disappointment regarding the persistent vandalism of water infrastructure plaguing the district. This senseless destruction has severely compromised the municipality’s efforts to ensure reliable water supply to communities.
“What was meant to be a celebratory day, officially opening water access to Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality communities, has turned into a disheartening experience due to the recurrent destruction of our water infrastructure,” said Cllr. Ngqondwana.
The latest incident at Mvumelwano Water Treatment Works (WTW) saw cancelation of the handover which was scheduled for today 22 November 2024, said the disappointed Executive Mayor.
Critical components of the scheme were vandalised for the second time. This follows previous repairs and planned testing of the water supply. The municipality has reported the matter to Eskom and the Police, seeking urgent intervention.
The devastating consequences of these criminal acts have far-reaching implications for the community. In another incident, the theft of electrical cables at Thabo Mbeki area in Nyandeni Local Municipality rendered six boreholes non-functional, severely disrupting water supply to Libode and surrounding areas.
Similarly, the Nohiya community near Qunu, Ward 12 of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, suffered a setback when newly repaired infrastructure valued at over R240,000 was stolen and vandalized within a week.
The Executive Mayor urged community members to report any information regarding these incidents to the authorities immediately, as their cooperation is crucial in combating this scourge.
Since the previous financial year, the municipality has reported approximately 17 cases of vandalism and theft, resulting in estimated repair costs of close to R20 million. This financial burden compromises the municipality’s ability to allocate resources effectively, as R40 million has already been earmarked for operations and maintenance.
“We cannot afford to compromise our communities’ access to basic services,” emphasised Cllr. Ngqondwana. He added that “the municipality remains committed to providing essential services, but we require the community’s assistance in protecting our infrastructure. We implore residents to join us in combating this scourge by reporting any suspicious activities and working together towards a safer, more sustainable future.”
*The photos of the vandalised infrastructure is attached below: Mvumelwano Water Treatment Works: Vandalised Electricity Components.*
Issued by: O.R. Tambo District Municipality
064 504 6556 zimkhitama@ortambodm.gov.za
For enquiries, contact: Head of Communications: Zimkhita Macingwane
