The City of Cape Town has been hard hit by utility infrastructure theft losing R30 million between July and December 2015.

The Water and Sanitation Department has been the worst hit thus far, with losses of R17 295 345 incurred through stolen water meters, water meter covers, and stolen or damaged manhole covers across the city.

The Electricity Services Department reported the second highest losses, with stolen or vandalised equipment costs totalling R9 165 775, while the Solid Waste Management Department reported that 8 657 bins at a value of R4 895 534 have been stolen.

Far reaching effects

In an effort to curb these activities, the City has performed 618 inspections of scrap yards and bucket shops, and has started replacing stolen manhole covers with alternative materials such as ductile-iron and polymer plastic which have little to no scrap value.

“The cost of this theft is not limited to repairing or replacing the infrastructure. In the case of our electricity network, theft also causes repeated blackouts, which affects local business and industry. The theft of manhole covers is also a major contributor to blocked sewers because inappropriate items can then enter the system more easily, says Ernest Sonnenberg the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services.

“The theft of water meters and fire hydrants and the resultant leaks also contribute significantly to water losses. At a time when the region is experiencing reduced rainfall, we can ill-afford to waste a single drop. It is therefore especially important that residents act decisively against these criminal elements within their community.”

Stricter Criminal Matters Act a potential deterrent

Given the limitations of policing offences of this nature, the City is hopeful that the recent amendment to the Criminal Matters Act will help to deter prospective metal thieves.

The amendments mean that there are now stricter provisions for the granting of bail and harsher punishments for those who wilfully damage, tamper with, or steal essential infrastructure which may interfere with the provision of basic services to the public.