Dear Editor
Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality was recently gifted R12-million in lights for use in areas in need of lighting. The donations emanated from Germany. The lights were placed in the municipal stores for “safe-keeping” until they were to be used. This property is supposedly guarded by GAP Security as part of a larger security tender costing the Municipality millions of rands per annum.
On Sunday night, 10 October 2021, 11 of the lights were stolen. This follows after a recent alleged theft of 200 metres of copper cable. Over the last few months many thefts have been perpetrated at the same site. (see picture here)
I have written to the Municipal Manager, Dr Edward Rankwana and the Director of Engineering and Planning to attempt to clarify the situation around the lights. I have asked whether or not the lights were insured, as well as the value of the lights that were stolen. I have also asked whether or not the Municipality is happy with the service of GAP Security and if not, what is being done to remedy this.
This Municipality is in dire straits financially. It cannot afford to replace these lights. Nor can it continue to pay for a service that appears to be woefully inadequate in protecting the assets of the municipality.
There is simply no excuse for not securing such a valuable gift and the likelihood of these donors donating more to Dr Beyers Naude in the future is now slim because the municipality has demonstrated that it cannot be trusted to look after its assets.
Under a Democratic Alliance government, we will demand value for money from service providers. We will also ensure that any donations made for the improvement of our communities will be treated with the requisite care. Because the DA gets things done.
Regards
Cllr Ewald Loock
DA Dr Beyers Naude Mayoral Candidate