The municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, tells OFM News that the Sol Plaatjie Municipality, together with the police, have been working around the clock to ensure that these criminal acts are dealt with. He said the thing that makes it difficult for municipalities to deal with criminals who are vandalising municipal infrastructure is that it is the same offenders who have been arrested and were released from prison.

"The profile of these people who are being arrested is becoming a problem because it is repeat offenders. We are really worried because they might just leave us with the total collapse of infrastructure. Not long ago there was a person who died after he was electrocuted at our Phuthanang substation," said Matsie.

He also touched on issues of electricity tariff hikes within the Sol Plaatje Municipality. Matsie has also raised concerns about the culture of not paying for rendered services.

"We also have a problem with the non-payment culture of services. For us to be able to provide the service, we also need to be paid and we also have to pay Eskom what is due to Eskom," said Matsie.

Recently, the Executive Mayor, Solomon Mabilo, conducted a walkabout in the Central Business District area to ascertain the cleanliness of the inner city. The purpose of the site visit was to ensure that service delivery is maintained, and that included the cleaning of streets and dumping hotspots, fixing of potholes, repairing paved sidewalks, sealing potholes, and addressing water leaks and sewerage spillages.

OFM News