Lydenburg residents warned about theft of and damage to water infrastructure
The town cannot condone the theft of critical infrastructure. This reckless, inconsiderate behaviour has a knock-on effect on residents.
Residents are being warned to be vigilant as water meter theft and the malicious damage to water pipes are on the rise.
In the early morning of Wednesday, July 23, several households and businesses were targeted by individuals who either stole, tampered with, or broke water pipes in the CBD.
Photos: Narda Engelbrecht
Steelburger/Lydenburg News was one of the businesses that was a victim, when its water meter was stolen from the premises in the early hours of Wednesday.
The incidents were all reported to the control room and plumbers from Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) were quick to respond to the various complaints received.
The damaged pipes were first disconnected from the main water supply before new meters and pipes could be fitted.
This is not the first time that households and businesses have been targeted in these kinds of thefts, however, it is the first time that intentional damage to pipes has been reported.
The DA caucus leader, Cllr Marius Opperman, said that the malicious damage to water pipes will not be tolerated. “I am requesting the assistance of the local SAPS and the TCLM by-law officers to take up this matter and do inspections at businesses buying scrap metal in town.”
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He said that although the theft of meters is nothing new, the damage to infrastructure is something that needs to be nipped in the bud sooner, rather than later.
“The town cannot condone the theft of critical infrastructure. This reckless, inconsiderate behaviour has a knock-on effect on residents. Stealing a water meter from a property causes major inconvenience for the affected household as they have no water supply until their meter is replaced,” Opperman said.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity, especially at night, to the SAPS.
