Senseless vandalism compromises recreational facilities in Elsies River
29 July 2021
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks sporting facilities in Elsies River have recently been a target for repeated vandalism and theft. In just six months, the cost of repairing damaged or stolen assets at three facilities is approximately R1 005 400.
‘Our facilities are under siege by criminals and vandals. It is the communities we serve who bear the brunt of these wanton acts as facilities are unusable or become spaces where sport and recreation is no longer an option. One of the hardest hit areas is Elsies River in the northern suburbs,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Since the beginning of the year five incidents have been reported at the Uitsig Sports Ground:
11 January: armed gunmen forced entry onto the premises, raiding bathroom piping and leaving wash basins broken (estimated cost R20 500). It seems the perpetrators were looking for valuables and resorted to vandalism when none were found
4 April: the main building was broken into through the back door which was found with the wooden frame burnt. A burglar gate was stolen and bathroom handwashing basin, toilet and water piping damaged (±R30 000 to replace)
17 April: one of the ablution blocks had its door removed and stolen, whilst basins and pipes were left broken ( R18 000 to repair)
31 May: borehole booster pump was stolen from the pump room, valued at R27 900.
21 June: a water filter pump was stolen, connection fittings to the water tanks were tampered with and electrical cabling was pulled from plugs (R9 000 damage)
All incidents were reported to Law Enforcement and facility staff are working closely with the South African Police Service to try and apprehend the perpetrators. Most incidents happen at night or during the early hours of the morning.
At the Valhalla Park Family and Recreation Centre, repeated damage to play equipment compromises the safety of wooden, outdoor gym and steel structures and incidents have been reported since January.
The perimeter fencing has buckled and gaps left in sections used to gain access to the enclosed facility. Thus far floodlights and signage have been stolen and paving removed brick-by-brick on a daily basis.
There is also a rise in antisocial behaviour leaving buildings covered in graffiti, broken windows from stone throwing and tree stems broken.
In addition, ongoing mischief in the parking area where alcohol is abused and sometimes stolen vehicles are found parked is disturbing. To date, damages at Valhalla Park amount to nearly R450 000.
Reducing safety risks at this facility requires engagement from multiple stakeholders. Law Enforcement is looking into ways to bolster the daily patrols undertaken in the area.
‘The City is doing all it can to ensure the security of community facilities but it is important that residents take ownership too. The department has motivated to increase the complement of security and EPWP staff based at the facility, however this is subject to availability of budget and competing priorities. Floodlights could increase visibility at night. Unfortunately the investment made to install them will be ineffective if cable theft continues,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
At Avonwood Sports Field, this past weekend copper cables from the flood lights were stolen. A technical assessment is needed to assess the infrastructural damage estimated at R250 000. This is not the first time that this has happened. Since January, parts of the vibracrete boundary walls were removed numerous times and R200 000 spent on replacement.
‘The City cannot be held accountable for the unscrupulous acts of individuals, neither can the cost of repair be maintained to improve facilities, now being used as free supply of materials stolen for resale or personal use. It is particularly disheartening to see reports of play equipment vandalised by children, who mishandle the equipment without supervision or remove wooden parts of jungle gyms to make scooter bikes. We cannot allow vandalism and crime to become the norm in our society and set a poor example for the next generation,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Community involvement has been shown as one of the topmost contributors to protecting recreational facilities as valuable community assets. Frequent usage and establishing community forums to work together with all role players in the City to improve security, significantly reduces incidents of vandalism and antisocial behaviour.
Residents are encouraged to put forward any ideas on how to effect a change in behaviour from within the community, or volunteer to get involved in expanding the reach of City and SAPS resources at recreation centres and sports fields by forming groups such as Neighbourhood Watches.
To report incidents of vandalism and theft at your, please call 107 from a landline or (021) 480 7700. You can also email the Recreation and Parks Department directly at rp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
