Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Werner Pretorius MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng. See attached pictures here, here, here, and here.
Recent attacks on critical water infrastructure highlight the urgent need to protect public assets, apprehend and prosecute criminals targeting infrastructure, and ensure reliable services for residents across all towns in Mangaung.
The reality is that infrastructure theft and vandalism thrive in environments with weak enforcement, poor security, and little fear of consequences. In June 2022, I submitted a Question to the City Administration regarding the safeguarding of critical infrastructure and key points, highlighting the urgent need for protection against theft, damage, sabotage, and vandalism. To date, the DA’s important question remains unanswered.
We will now submit questions to the Free State MEC of CoGTA on this matter, requesting action and accountability to safeguard our critical infrastructure from criminals.
Over the past few days, residents have faced uncertainty as repeated acts of theft and vandalism have affected bulk water infrastructure, including valves, pipelines, and metering equipment. These incidents have disrupted operations, forced emergency interventions, and placed additional pressure on an already fragile water supply system.
Every time a criminal vandalises a water pipeline, steals infrastructure or damages critical equipment, it is residents who pay the price. Families are left without reliable access to water.
Businesses face disruptions. Municipal resources intended for service improvements are instead diverted to emergency repairs and the replacement of damaged infrastructure.
The recent incidents demonstrate that crime not only affects individual victims but also undermines the basic services on which entire communities depend. When critical infrastructure is stolen or vandalised, residents lose access to water, economic activity is disrupted, and confidence in local government is eroded.
Residents deserve answers:
- Why is critical water infrastructure repeatedly targeted?
- What measures are in place to protect strategic assets?
- How many incidents of infrastructure vandalism have occurred over the past year?
- How many arrests and convictions have resulted from these crimes?
The DA believes that critical infrastructure must be protected through:
- Increased security at strategic water installations.
- Better surveillance and monitoring of municipal assets.
- Strong cooperation between the municipality, SAPS and prosecuting authorities.
- Dedicated efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute infrastructure criminals.
- Improved maintenance and resilience planning to minimise the impact of future incidents.
Residents should not have to wonder whether water will flow tomorrow because criminals are free to attack essential infrastructure today.
The recent incidents are a stark reminder that the decline of public safety has real consequences for service delivery. When criminals can attack critical infrastructure, communities suffer.
Mangaung deserves a government that can protect both its people and its infrastructure.
The choice facing residents is clear: either accept a future of recurring infrastructure failures, repeated service disruptions and weak accountability, or vote for a DA government that will prioritise safety, enforce the law and protect the services on which residents and businesses depend.
To secure our water, we must secure our communities.
Catch the criminals. Convict the offenders. Clean up the system. And protect service delivery so that Mangaung can work.