City and National Government team up to tackle vandalism of critical water and sanitation infrastructure
27 May 2022
Today the City of Cape Town and National Government's Department of Water and Sanitation launched a joint campaign to raise public awareness about the impact that the theft and vandalism of water and sanitation infrastructure have on essential services to communities. It also aims to highlight the valuable role all stakeholders, including spheres of government and the public, have to help protect this critical infrastructure and staff who deliver this essential service. Read more below:
Combined efforts between communities and government is vital to protect critical water and sanitation infrastructure from theft and vandalism as well as attacks on City staff while on duty to ensure uninterrupted essential service delivery to residents and to prevent sewer overflows in our communities.
During the launch of the anti-theft and vandalism awareness campaign, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member Councillor Zahid Badroodien and National Department of Water and Sanitation’s communications manager Malusi Rayi visited the Fisantekraal sewer pump stations, where cables were stolen and the facility is operating on a generator until repairs are completed.
The first phase of the campaign will roll-out over the next few weeks, communicating with residents using various platforms, including radio, social media and leaflets, about the impact of theft and vandalism and how residents can help tackle this issue.
‘The City is pleased to be partnering with National Government to launch Cape Town’s local theft and vandalism campaign. The Water and Sanitation Directorate welcomes all efforts from partners and community members to help support our mission to clamp down on the theft and vandalism scourge of critical infrastructure so our communities can live, work and play in clean, healthy, safe spaces. This infrastructure includes our pump stations that are an important part of conveying sewage from homes to wastewater treatment plants and manhole covers that should only be opened by staff when they inspect the network or have to unblock the pipeline.
‘The ongoing theft and vandalism of our critical water and sanitation infrastructure is a pain for our residents and is costing the City millions of rands. The Wallacedene pump station that was set alight is the most recent example. Such inconsiderate actions by a few culprits have a knock-on effect on many households which are negatively impacted, when sewage runs in the street and stormwater and waterways are polluted. Anyone stealing this equipment is essentially stealing from our residents. It costs a lot to replace and repair, and the money could have been used for other services. These actions inconvenience the community, and creates safety hazards like open manholes and health risks when sewage runs in the street,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
‘DWS strongly condemn the incidents of vandalism as they are a major setback on progress made to deliver much needed services. At times, the resources meant to develop new infrastructure are affected by vandalism of the existing infrastructure. We appeal to anyone with information to report this to the law enforcement agencies. We need to create an environment where communities take ownership of the water, sanitation, and other state infrastructure within their communities as it is there to serve them. By that, they will be able to safeguard it and report any forms of vandalism,’ said Mr Rayi.
Various City efforts are under way to help address theft and vandalism and its impact. This includes:
- Offering a reward of up to R5 000 to any resident who reports incidents or information related to the theft and vandalism of water and sanitation infrastructure that lead to a successful arrest or recovery of stolen equipment. Residents can provide information to one of the City’s Safety and Security agencies like Law Enforcement and Metro Police to be eligible.
- Security upgrades at pump stations and enhancing security systems at our water treatment facilities. The City is also increasing its budget for pump stations by R20 million to ensure these facilities receive necessary security upgrades and replacement of electrical components. To date, the City has spent more than R36m in this financial year upgrading and repairing 27 vandalised pump stations, including most severely affected Area L pump station in Mitchells Plain. Upgrades and repairs at five more pump stations will be completed in June.
- Replacing reported stolen and damaged manhole covers.
- The Safety and Security Directorate’s Metal Theft Unit performs scrap yard and bucket shop visitations, patrols areas targeted by metal thieves and execute arrests, as well as following up on reported metal theft cases.
- Education and awareness campaigns
‘The City is using our available resources to tackle this issue, and by teaming up with DWS, together we are hoping residents will help us and their neighbours by providing information about vandalism or suspects involved, reporting missing or damaged manhole covers and blocked sewers. Cape Town belongs to its people and all of us have a role to play in tackling this scourge of theft and vandalism,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Report theft/ vandalism to be eligible for a reward
Provide information on the whereabouts of stolen property or a suspected offender, by calling 0800 11 00 77.
If your confidential information leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property by the City’s Law Enforcement or Metro Police, you can get a reward of up to R5000.
Support efforts to improve security in your area
For help improving or creating a Neighbourhood Watch, email nw.support@capetown.gov.za or call 0800 11 00 77 and ask for the Community Safety Liaison Officer in your area to contact you.
Log water and sanitation problems or service requests
Report vandalism damages, sewer blockages, missing drain covers, burst pipes, leaks and water wastage using one of the following channels (Please provide the street address, and get a reference number):
- Online www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
- Email water@capetown.gov.za
- SMS 31373 (maximum 160 characters. Standard rates apply)
- Call 0860 103 089
- Visit a City walk-in centre (see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities to find the one closest to you)
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
