KNYSNA NEWS - Vandalism to water and sewer infrastructure and theft have not only cost Knysna Municipality an unbudgeted R180 000 in the last financial year, but seem to be on the rise, the municipality said this week, warning that these acts are putting various communities' water security at risk.
The R180 000 relates to vandalised telemetry components in Sunridge, Blombos and Knoetzie alone.
In a statement on Monday 28 September, Acting Municipal Manager (AMM) Dr Louis Scheepers said the theft of fencing at the Rheenendal wastewater treatment works and sewer pump station also constituted additional unforeseen spending.
"Residents' access to potable water is also in jeopardy. The theft of fencing places other infrastructure in danger of being vandalised and poses a risk to water safety. After cables were cut and electrical components stolen at the Sunridge reservoir and pump station, no water could be pumped to the Knoetzie reservoir while repairs were being made.
"This operation lasted at least 24 hours," he said.
According to Scheepers, damage suffered at treatment plants, pump stations and depots amounted to over R100 000 in recent months.
"Funds from operational and capital budgets have had to cover expenses on labour, overtime, materials and travel to and from remote sites. One example of many is the spending of approximately R60 000 on additional labour and diesel at the Glebe Dam since mid-July. The transformer had blown due to vandalism, necessitating the manual operation of the on-site generator," he stated.
He added that perpetrators must realise that they are not simply stealing a cable or component.
"They are stealing money from the municipality as we are responsible for repairing the damage they cause. This money was budgeted for other purposes - that of serving our community. They are, in effect, stealing from their neighbours."
Scheepers said the municipality is evaluating a number of possible solutions to this problem, including pepper-spray systems coupled into alarm systems, increased physical security at plants and depots, and contracted services to deal with new systems.
"These criminals are stealing from the residents of Knysna. Their actions could lead to interruptions in the water supply, or even the contamination of your water," he said.
Scheepers encouraged people to report vandalism to municipal infrastructure on 044 302 6331.
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