The City of Cape Town is offering up to R100 000 reward for information relating to the vandalism of the Swartklip Road Pump Station in Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain, which has left the facility completely inoperable.
Following the disconnection of illegal electricity
connections by the City, criminals destroyed and stripped the infrastructure.
COURTESY: City of Cape TownThe municipality says thousands of Mitchell’s Plain
residents are now at risk of ongoing sewer overflows, with severe health and
environmental impacts for the community.
‘’A comprehensive process was followed which included
numerous engagements with the community, local ward councillors and other
stakeholders; however, the City had to disconnect these unlawful connections.
Residents were given the opportunity to voluntarily remove the connections,
failing which the City would proceed with enforcement, said Zahid Badroodien,
MMC for Water and Sanitation.
‘’Initial reports received indicate that the security on
site was threatened and were forced to evacuate from protecting the pump
station. This allowed them access to site to destroy all CCTV connections, all
electricity supply needed to operate the pumps. The pumps are now fully
inoperable. Unfortunately, they have also reconnected their illegal electricity
connections to the City supply. The City is currently in the process of
planning to disconnect these reconnections in order to restore the pump station
into operation.’’
‘’This deliberate act of retaliation undermines the City’s
ongoing efforts to ensure reliable sanitation services and protect public
health. The City strongly condemns this criminal behaviour, which ultimately
affects the neighbouring community of Tafelsig, which the infrastructure is
designed to serve,’’ he added.
COURTESY: City of Cape TownBadroodien urged residents to help protect essential sewer
infrastructure.
‘’As long as the damaged pump station remains inoperable,
sewage overflows are likely to become more frequent and result in costly
interventions. The City remains committed to engaging with the community to
work towards lawful, sustainable solutions. However, co-operation is imperative
to ensure that critical infrastructure is safeguarded.’’
COURTESY: City of Cape TownThe City appeals to residents to come forward with any
information that may assist in holding those responsible accountable. Anyone
with information is urged to call 0800 11 00 77. If the information leads to an
arrest or recovery of stolen property by the City’s Law Enforcement or Metro
Police, you could be eligible for a reward of up to R100 000. The City assured
informants that it will not share their identities.
Done by: Mitchum George
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