EThekwini Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo has tasked law enforcement authorities to crack down on scrap metal dealers and cable thieves after theft of cables and metal plates caused a suspension bridge carrying the City’s 750mm diameter water main to collapse.
The Municipality will be supplying water to the northern parts of the Municipality which are most affected from the secondary water main at a reduced capacity.
Nxumalo, who was accompanied by members of the Executive Committee on 10 June 2014, during a high level site visit in the Newlands area to inspect the extent of the damage, said a case will be opened with the SAPS and that sabotage could not be ruled out.
“This is a very serious matter and it has taught us a valuable lesson that we must provide security including the installation of cameras at all our key points to avoid a similar incident occurring in the future,” he said.
Nxumalo said the Metro Police and SAPS must raid scrap metal yards throughout the Municipality and shut them down if any stolen cables are found on the premises.
“These criminals must be charged for sabotaging Municipal infrastructure because the cost of fixing the damage is likely to run into millions of rands and these costs have not been budgeted for. The Municipality will now source funds from our savings to fix this problem,” he said.
Nxumalo apologised to all affected residents but stressed that the Municipality was addressing the matter.
“Water will be available but we urge residents to use water sparingly during this period because water supply will be restricted. Areas that experience water interruptions will be assisted by our water tankers,” he added.
Nxumalo urged those with information to report it to the police so that the perpetrators will be brought to book.
Contractors have been appointed to fix the damage and this work could take about two weeks to complete.
Northern areas that will be affected are: Newlands, Parlock, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Mzinyathi, Amaoti, Phoenix, Umhlanga, Durban North, Virginia, La Lucia, Sea Cow Lake, Verulam, Mt View and Trenance Park.
Residents are urged not to wash cars, water their gardens, fill swimming pools or waste water in any way.
Should anyone have any queries or concerns please contact the eThekwini Engineering Service Contact Centre on 0801313013.
