Bellville South Landfill Site's Brand New Fencing Vandalised

Mayoral Committee Member for Utilities, Alderman Clive Justus is saddened and dismayed by the vandalism that has occurred at the Bellville South Landfill Site. Substantial portions of the recently erected reinforced concrete palisade fencing have been dismantled and broken up by vandals, apparently for the reinforced steel contained therein.

This concrete fence, paid for by ratepayers at a cost of approximately R2.6 million, was intended to provide safety for nearby residents. It prevented the public, especially young children, from wandering onto the landfill site and being hurt or injured. In addition, it served to prevent vagrants from foraging off the waste landfill site. The new fence replaced a 4000m galvanised steel fence that had been stolen bit by bit, leaving the site exposed.

The City has experienced similar issues of vandalism over the past few years, with an immense resultant cost. Funds which could have been spent on development projects have had to be allocated to the repair of existing infrastructure. For example, in 2008 the BM section in Khayelitsha received flush toilets for the first time. A month later about half of the 420 toilets installed by the City had either been destroyed or rendered dysfunctional by thieves.

During last year's Festive Season, 300 out of 464 toilets installed in a Delft informal settlement were broken and had parts stolen only weeks after being installed. Last year former Mayor of Cape Town and now Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, noted that for every R3.00 of the City's annual budget for water and sanitation services that is spent, a further R2.00 is spent on repairs and replacements.

Fortunately there is a designated task team to deal with metal theft in Cape Town. The City's Metals and Theft Unit, commonly known as the 'Copperheads', have been immensely successful in clamping down on stolen scrap metal dealers and curbing monetary losses. The Copperheads have been alerted to this particular case and will monitor the situation closely.

Anecdotal evidence received from the City's law enforcement staff has suggested that some of the theft of City infrastructure is motivated by people seeking income to support their drug habits. However, a new pattern is developing where even plastic pipes are being stolen, despite their minimal resale value. Concrete toilets are being smashed and padlocks stolen. It appears that only a minority of residents are perpetrating these acts, but the majority suffer the consequences. A serious consequence of this vandalism and theft is that it drives up the price of the City projects. Apart from replacing stolen material and redoing work, the City has to utilise extra concrete and bolts to secure pipes and cables.

The Copperheads have reported a drop in the theft of electricity cables in cases where communities work with the City. This is largely because communities often self-police these connections, as they are the ones most affected when the power goes off. Alderman Justus noted that this shows the power of community participation in reducing theft and vandalism.

Alderman Justus appealed to all communities to assist the City. "If residents take ownership of their local services and amenities, they can work with the City to ensure functional facilities," he said.

Residents can report vandalism, theft or drugs abuse by contacting the City emergency share call number 0800 225 669.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town