Picture: Supplied
SOL PLAATJE Municipality has suffered losses of R750,000 this year due to cable theft.
Municipal spokesperson Thoko Riet said on Monday that the latest incident resulted in the flooding of the subway in Hull Street where motorists were unable to access the road.
“Cable theft has a direct effect on service delivery to all our residents, more importantly the vulnerable. A site inspection was undertaken at the Hull Street subway by highly competent engineers on November 10 and the pumps were found to be fully functional,” said Riet.
She added that signage would be erected at all subways in the municipal district to warn motorists of any potential danger when approaching the road.
“Theft, damage and vandalism of municipal infrastructure are worrying factors that have reached crisis level in the municipality. In future, the municipality will be looking at alternative means to strategically lay cables so that criminals must not have access to them.”
Riet stated that the latest incident would cost thousands of rand to repair.
“The municipality has lost over R750,000 in cable theft alone this year, while the coffers are already financially burdened. We cannot allow a situation where infrastructure is subjected to an onslaught of deliberate damage by criminal elements.”
She added that the municipality would work closely with the police to ensure that the culprits were brought to book.
“The municipality further urges residents to assist by reporting and guarding against the vandalism of its infrastructure. Residents are requested to contact their nearest SAPS offices to report incidents,” concluded Riet.