GEORGE NEWS - A break-in, vandalism and theft of electrical equipment at a small sewerage pump station at the edge of Rosedale caused damage to the value of R400 000.

Police yesterday confirmed that they are investigating a case of theft. Southern Cape police spokesperson Capt Malcolm Pojie said a municipal official discovered the theft on Sunday 28 March during an inspection at the premises. Anyone with information on the incident can contact the Pacaltsdorp Detectives on 044 803 9100.

Damage and theft

The damage and theft were discovered on Sunday during a daily routine inspection, said Acting Director of Civil Engineering Services Lionel Daniels. "The pump station is walled and locked with a gate. Electrical boxes have been forced open and electrical circuit boards and cables have been removed, which in turn halted the clearing out of sewage," he said. 

"Fortunately, the incident happened at a time when the sumps were empty, and a sewage spill was prevented."

Emergency temporary repairs were done to activate the pumps. The supply chain management process for the permanent replacement and repairs is underway and a contractor should be appointed during this week.

Electrical boxes have been forced open and electrical circuit boards and cables have been removed.

Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michelle Gratz said the municipality has 112 sewerage pump stations across the municipal area, many of which are in or near communities that would be directly affected if they were vandalised or burgled.

"We appeal to residents in these areas to help guard our infrastructure and to report suspicious activities near such facilities to the police," said Gratz. "If residents can safely photograph perpetrators on their cellphones and take registration numbers of suspicious vehicles to help apprehend offenders, it will help to promote uninterrupted service and long-term cost-saving that will benefit everyone."

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