THE attacks on the water supply network in Kraaifontein on two consecutive days were condemned by Siseko Mbandezi, the acting MMC for water and sanitation.
The vandalism that took place last Thursday and Friday affected the water supply in areas such as Wallacedene, Bloekombos and De Novo.
Mbandezi said on Thursday vandals destroyed the power supply to the pumping station and the control mechanisms.
On Friday, vandals destroyed the telemetry of the water supply network at the Bloekombos and De Novo reservoirs.
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"Usually, operational staff can monitor and adjust the flow and supply of water via the technology at these locations, but now they have to physically visit these installations on an hourly basis to make adjustments," said Mbandezi.
The MMC said residents affected by vandalism must co-operate with law enforcement. Residents said they have been struggling with proper water supply in the Kraaifontein area in recent months. They said the situation is worse because of load shedding.
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"Whenever there is load shedding, water shedding follows. The water supply problem is persistent and it may take days, especially when vandalism is involved," said resident Nomalizo Tshangase (41) from Bloekombos.
Mbandezi said communities must take an active role in protecting their infrastructure. "They can do so by reporting the perpetrators of these criminal activities and eliminate the risks of undue water supply disruptions which could last for days at a time."
