The City’s Water and Sanitation staff are under attack. From the 1st of July last year, they’ve faced 22 hijackings and 52 robberies. Of the 52 robberies, 16 have been at gunpoint.
Coming under attack
The Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien says 7 hijackings took place in Khayelitsha, 6 in Philippi and 3 in Mfuleni. He says 6 robberies have happened in Khayelitsha, 3 each in Blue Downs and Philippi and 2 each in Strand, Gugulethu, Fisantekraal, Athlone and Bishop Lavis.
Workers had their cellphones, watches, 12-meter reading devices, 14 tablets and PPE essential for field operations, stolen.
“We urge residents, businesses, and community leaders to help support our efforts to ensure safe working conditions for our teams,” implored Badroodien.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate says over the current financial year, the City has spent R8,5 million on private security to escort these staff members, to the high-risk areas.
READ MORE: City launches Anti-Extortion campaign
He says these criminal activities hamper the delivery of services. He said the City needs to protect staff to maintain uninterrupted vital services.
22 Hijackings and 52 Robberies
The Mayco Member stressed that these dedicated workers strive to provide a clean, reliable water supply and effective sanitation, which are essential for public health. He says their safety is paramount while delivering these vital services, especially in areas prone to social unrest and criminal activities.
“Collaboration with the community is vital,” said Badroodien.
The City says 2 security contractor personnel escorting City of Cape Town staff in Philippi’s Phola Park community were shot and killed in April this year.
Several murders
Last week, 1 of 2 private security escorts, who were guarding a sewer pump station In Athlone while an electrical contractor was working at the facility, was also shot dead. The SAPS have meanwhile launched an investigation into this latest attack.
He concluded, “Let’s work together to improve safety in high-risk areas and minimise service disruptions.”
The MMC says threats to staff safety endanger employees. It also disrupts service delivery to residents.
READ MORE: An attack from 2021
How to Anonymously report extortion
Potentially it affects community health and well-being and could also cause emotional trauma to staff.
Here are the methods to contact the City:
· Phone 24/7: 0800 00 6992
· Email: SSIMS.SSIUReporting@capetown.gov.za
Badroodien ended, “We are working closely with local law enforcement and private security to ensure safe passage for our teams. However, securing their support depends on their availability so it can temporarily delay our operations and it means at times that we are not able to respond as soon as we want.”
