Tshwane to fight ‘water mafia’ wars

The Tshwane Metro has been facing a serious water crisis in recent months, exacerbated by vandalism and tampering of vital municipal water infrastructure.

The situation has deteriorated in recent times as infrastructure has been paralysed by the activities of a ‘water tanker mafia’.

According to the MMC for Utilities Themba Fosi, water problems in Tshwane have been exacerbated by the “water tanker mafia” and the need for comprehensive solutions has increased.

According to Fosi, such solutions would entail improved security, such as the introduction of technologies to detect and minimize criminal activity, as well as the deployment of adequate fencing.

He said the metro is currently under siege as vandals have destroyed water valves and infrastructure.

https://x.com/CityTshwane/status/1725416753814020120

He said the opportunistic vandals target valves because they are often located in places that are easily accessible.

“This accessibility also makes them vulnerable to manipulation, unauthorized access, and targets for vandalism, theft, or sabotage.”

Fosi said some reservoirs in the city were secured and most water valves were in concrete wells.

He said the metro would continue to take serious measures against tampering, sabotage and illegal connections to ensure that the water infrastructure remains safe and protected.

“We are working with all relevant stakeholders to mitigate the risks associated with tampering with the city’s infrastructure and improve the reliability of our water supply system.”

He said further security improvements are being made, such as introducing new technologies and installing adequate fencing, to detect and minimise criminal activities.

Tshwane has adopted a multi-faceted approach to address these challenges. Key measures include:

– Tamper-resistant design: Implementing secure enclosures and using tamper-resistant materials to make unauthorized access more difficult.

– Physical barriers and locks: installing robust, high-security barriers and locks to reduce the risk of tampering.

– Regular inspections and maintenance: Conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

– Public awareness campaigns: community engagement to raise awareness of the importance of reporting suspicious activities.

– Law enforcement cooperation: working with the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and other security agencies to investigate incidents and implement preventive measures.

– Investigation and prosecution: Taking legal action against individuals caught manipulating infrastructure to prevent future incidents.

According to Fosi, nearly a quarter of the budget for large-scale water infrastructure is spent on repairs related to theft and vandalism.

He added that vandalism is reported regularly, with most incidents occurring at sites where large amounts of water are collected, particularly reservoirs and water pumping stations.

“The broader water supply crisis in Tshwane, exacerbated by infrastructure problems and increased demand, has led to the use of water tankers, costing the city an estimated R98 million annually.

The crisis is being exacerbated by questionable invoices from water tankers and reports of shady practices at reservoirs and fire hydrants.”

During the 2023 budget speech, the Metro released R450 million over three years for the upgrade of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant and other infrastructure improvements to address these pressing challenges.

Tshwane and the National Department of Water and Sanitation have signed an agreement to work together to address these challenges, focusing on infrastructure planning, resource management and improving municipal capabilities.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or unauthorized utility connections by calling 012 358 7095/7096.

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