Vandalism and theft resulted in the City spending over R12 million to replace and repair 6 590 stolen and vandalised sewer drain covers between July last year and June this year.

This infrastructure needs to be in place to ensure public safety and to safeguard sewer network operations, said the City’s mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.

He said it was important to replace sewer drain manhole covers that pose a risk to public safety and become the gateway for foreign objects to enter the sewer system, damaging pipes and leading to blockages. Many covers were reported stolen or damaged due to vandalism, and replacing it was costly, much of which could be mitigated through public awareness and behavioural change, according to Mr Badroodien.

He said that during Winter, missing drain covers added pressure on operations and increased call-outs. Excess rain flooded the sewer network, which increased the probability and frequency of overflows.

“It’s important for the public to be aware that replacing vandalised or stolen manhole covers puts a strain on the City’s financial resources, and causes delays in rendering services as maintenance demands amplify. Each act of criminality diverts valuable time and funding away from daily essential services,” he said.

He said that replacing manhole covers ensured public safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure. It also improved the reliability of sewer systems, reducing sewer overflows on streets as a result from blocked drains caused by illegal dumping through open manholes.

“While the immediate focus is to ensure that all manholes are secured, the City maintains its surveillance over sewer infrastructure. We urge residents to keep reporting and act proactively, working together with the City to eliminate this challenge,“ he said.

Ward 46 councillor Aslam Cassiem, said that 12 drain manhole covers a month were reported stolen in the ward.

“In the past it was a huge a huge issue but it seems to have subsided. It’s not such a chronic problem as it used to be,” he said.

Ward 49 councillor Rashid Adams, said that all of the areas in his ward were affected by the theft of drain covers particularly in the Athlone CBD and parts of Hazendal.

“Missing drain covers is a continuous issue. The number of reports from the other areas in ward 49 has reduced substantially,” he said.

Illegally-dumped foreign objects removed from a sewer where the cover is missing.

Ward 47 councillor Antonio van der Rheede said that while there was illegal scrap yards, vandalism and theft of drain covers would always be an issue.

“Drain covers and copper are being targeted. Some of these illegal scrap yards are now operating 24 hours a day and some operate in the areas we live,” he said.

Report tampering with manhole covers, theft, or dumping foreign objects into the sewer system on 0860 103 089.