- Security measures at the Salt River Town Hall have been beefed up following increased vandalism and break-ins at the facility in recent months.
- Damages to the kitchen stove, doors, windows, ceiling and pipework were reported, while items like the microwave and cleaning material were stolen.
- Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community service and health, says the City’s internal maintenance team has put temporary measures in place while plans are underway for the plumbing and building tenders to address the damages.
Security measures at the Salt River Town Hall have been beefed up following increased vandalism and break-ins at the facility in recent months.
Damages to the kitchen stove, doors, windows, ceiling and pipework were reported, while items like the microwave and cleaning material were stolen.
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community service and health, says the City’s internal maintenance team has put temporary measures in place while plans are underway for the plumbing and building tenders to address the damages.
According to the City, the total costs of the damages cannot be confirmed yet as an assessment must still be completed.
Yusuf Mohamed, Ward 57 councillor, says several incidents have been reported at the facility in recent months.
“We have seen a spike in the last few months and a lot of the plumbing and pipes have been vandalised or stolen in the ablution facilities. It’s starting to affect the cost to maintain the facility.”
He explains that the facility is not in “perfect condition” but suitable to accommodate current bookings without “compromising functionality”.
Mohamed adds that additional security measures have been put in place.
“We have security at the facility now to help mitigate the theft. There are currently day and night security officials stationed on site. I am thankful to the department for getting these interim measures in place. We have a major issue with cable and copper theft in the area.
“Copper is a commodity that a lot of people have easy access to, whether it’s being stolen from homes or overhead lines.”
He explains that other facilities were also targeted.
“We had cable theft at the Shelley Road sports field last year, which affected the floodlight at the sports field. It almost derailed the Black Pool FC annual Super 7 event. Their first game was supposed to happen the evening and the lights wouldn’t come on. That’s when we found out that the cables had been stolen. Luckily, the City was able to temporarily fix it so that the game could continue.”
The councillor urges residents to come forward if they see any suspicious activity.
“If anyone has any information regarding the theft of council property, we encourage them to come forward; they can do so anonymously and there is a reward if it leads to a conviction.”
For bookings email Recreation1.5bookings@capetown.gov.za or call 021 400 3823 or 021 400 2303.
