Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Anelia Smit and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Diphapang Mofokeng.
The DA will submit oversight questions to the Nketoana Local Municipality and call for the urgent implementation of stronger security measures to protect critical municipal infrastructure following yet another incident of cable theft in Reitz.
The Nketoana Local Municipality informed residents that the electricity supply would be temporarily interrupted to allow repairs to the damaged power line.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Over the past year, the Nketoana Local Municipality has repeatedly fallen victim to criminals targeting electrical cables and other critical infrastructure. Every time this happens, it is the residents who pay the highest price through power outages, disrupted service delivery and the growing financial burden of repairs, which taxpayers ultimately carry.
The DA is deeply concerned by the municipality’s failure to take proactive steps to prevent these crimes. There is still little or no security at critical electricity substations and water infrastructure, despite the repeated incidents of theft and vandalism.
Essential infrastructure should be protected through adequate security measures, including physical security, controlled access and close cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The DA believes that the protection of critical municipal infrastructure can no longer be delayed.
The continued theft of cables not only disrupts essential services but also threatens public safety, economic activity and the well-being of our communities.
The DA will call for:
- The urgent implementation of effective security measures at all electricity and water substations.
- Closer cooperation between the municipality, the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to combat cable theft.
- The full prosecution of all individuals found guilty of cable theft and the sabotage of public infrastructure.
- The development of a comprehensive strategy by the municipality to protect critical infrastructure against future criminal attacks.
The residents of Reitz deserve reliable service delivery and the assurance that their public infrastructure is properly protected. The DA will continue to hold the municipality accountable until meaningful action is taken to put an end to this ongoing problem.