By: Nosipho Haya-Komisa
The department of Water and Sanitation is concerned about the high rate of vandalism, illegal connections and theft of valuable metal pipes, fittings and manhole covers of water infrastructure in the province.
This after it was reported that some places in the province are experiencing water shortages due to illegal connections, theft and vandalism of water infrastructure.
Spokesperson for the department of water and sanitation Sputnik Ratau said the acts of theft and vandalism of water infrastructure is delaying service delivery to the people.
“Destruction of water infrastructure is a huge concern for the Department of Water and sanitation and vandalising of water infrastructure is a huge setback for service delivery,” said Ratau.
Ratau also said the vandalisation of the water infrastructure has a negative impact on the finances of the department.
“Vandalizing of infrastructure does not only disrupt water supply to communities but it also impacts on the financial well-being of the department as well the relevant stakeholders in the water sector, particularly municipalities,” he said.
Earlier this week Cogta MEC Xolile Nqatha issued a stern warning to the vandals calling on them to refrain from destroying water infrastructure in the province.
“Those vandalising water infrastructure should face the full might of the law and not be spared any harsh sentence. According to the criminal procedures Act 1977, those found to have tampered with, damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure should face a severe penalty such as imprisonment for up to thirty years,” said Nqatha.