City of Joburg calls on residents to protect property

The MMC for Public Safety, councillor Mally Mokoena, has condemned the continued destruction and vandalism of public facilities in the City.

“Such acts are not only heinous but also hamper service delivery, disrupt the quality of life of all residents and further cost the City of Johannesburg millions of rands in repairs and maintenance,” said Mokoena.

“While the department’s mandate is to ensure that the City’s infrastructure and facilities are safe, secure and easily accessible to all who wish to use them, it is incumbent on all of us to report all witnessed acts of wrongdoing.

This is especially necessary for those in neighbouring communities where these criminal activities are most prevalent.

“These facilities belong to the community; it is therefore imperative that all members are always vigilant and guard against any criminal elements that threaten to disrupt the running and utilisation of services and facilities in the City. As the Government of Local Unity (GLU), we are committed to ensuring that residents enjoy excellent services through these facilities. We therefore implore all residents to work together with the GLU in making this commitment a reality,” added Mokoena

Reiterating the importance of protecting the City’s property, MMC for Community Development councillor Margaret Arnolds said these brazen acts of criminality deny communities the chance of enjoying public amenities such as art galleries, libraries, museums, recreation centres, parks, swimming pools, theatres, zoo and sport facilities.

This means that those who need public goods to enjoy amenities, enrich own world views, learn new things and appreciate nature and creativity will be robbed of such pleasures.

“The escalating vandalism and theft of city assets is a threat to the city’s budget. So far, we have seen tremendous increase of damaged city amenities, increased insurance claims and endless repairs which takes us back and waste taxpayers’ money,” Arnolds said.

“We call on communities to help in curbing vandalism by safeguarding council infrastructure, reporting crime and isolating vandals. Let us adopt public facilities and become ‘friends of facilities’ for the benefit of young people who need these facilities for their development,” Arnolds added.

To report vandalism, call the JMPD emergency number on 011 375 5911.