AN INCIDENT of vandalism at the Prospecton water pump station on March 23 has heightened concerns among residents about insufficient safeguarding of water and sanitation infrastructure, after reservoirs in Warner Beach and Athlone Park were found unlocked.

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The vandalism in Prospecton led to an interruption in water supply to Athlone Park, Umbogintwini, Orient Hills and parts of Amanzimtoti. According to eThekwini Municipality, the pump station’s mechanical and electrical panels were damaged.

On March 6, vandalism affected the 214 Lotus Drive substation, which plunged residents into darkness. These deliberate acts of sabotage have left residents asking what would stop these unknown vandals from poisoning the water at reservoirs, since anyone can come and go as they please.

Winklespruit resident Sarel Taljaard was at the Almond Road reservoir in Warner Beach and said reservoirs are national key points which are supposed to be kept under lock and key to be protected.

“It can be sabotaged. Kids can walk in here and drown, and someone could poison the water. It is a very dangerous situation, and it shouldn’t be like this,” said Taljaard.

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Ward 97 councillor André Beetge said the lack of, or diminished security and protection of water and sanitation infrastructure, is neither an isolated nor a new issue. He said there have been confirmed reports from municipal employees who have observed foreign objects entering reservoirs, either due to negligence or the failure to properly secure access points such as hatches. He said the matter has been raised repeatedly on various municipal platforms.

“This has progressed to the point where the City manager has acknowledged that a portion of the mandatory water infrastructure levy may need to be allocated toward safeguarding these installations in the forthcoming budget,” said Beetge.

He added that it has been established that the sabotage is deliberate, as confidential interviews have confirmed that locks are frequently stolen by employees or contractors, while hatches are often left open or unsecured by personnel responsible for reservoir monitoring, flow regulation, or routine grass cutting and maintenance. He encouraged the residents to insist that the City allocate sufficient funding toward the protection of water and sanitation infrastructure.

For more information regarding water supply, the public can download eThekwini Municipality’s mobile app to log faults or send a WhatsApp to 073 1483 477. To report infrastructure vandalism, call 0800 311 1111, or send a WhatsApp message to 076 791 2449.

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