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Vandalism and theft at the Paballelo pump station in Upington have shone the spotlight on municipal security failures by the Dawid Kruiper municipality which can be largely attributed to ongoing cadre deployment within the institution.

The pump station premises was broken into for the second time this past weekend, with all cables being cut off, in turn cutting off all water supply to the Paballelo community. While in the past, security officers would patrol pump stations and other key points, enabling them to curb the extent of theft and vandalism of municipal resources, these patrols seem to have been halted.

Security issues within the municipality have long been a bone of contention, with the failure of designated municipal officials to be available for emergencies on a 24/7 basis, despite the municipality paying at least R400 000 per month for security services.

Now, however, security services have significantly worsened.

The decline in municipal security coincides with the replacement of the current security manager, with an individual with strong ties to the ANC, who has no security background or certification to speak of. He was also appointed without any of the regular recruitment and appointment processes having been followed. The former security manager, who had experience and qualifications in security, has in turn been shifted to another department within the municipality.

The situation cannot be allowed to continue unabated.

Theft and vandalism takes a toll on scarce financial and other municipal resources, severely hampering service delivery. At the same time, given ongoing reports of sabotage of Eskom key points in the country, it is increasingly crucial that municipal key points be secured, to guard against further attacks on infrastructure.

Following previous findings on irregular appointments within the municipality, the DA will submit a request for a new investigation by the Office of the Public Protector.

Cadre deployment is counterproductive to service delivery. We cannot continue to allow a situation whereby Dawid Kruiper municipality is being run from the regional boardroom of the ANC and not from council chambers.

Issued by Dawid Kruiper Municipality Flip Van Der Steen