May 8, 2006
By Emmanuel Mulaudzi
THE ongoing battle to combat the theft of manhole covers will see Johannesburg Water spend some R3-million this year to replace over 8 000 missing covers.
"Joburg Water has set aside R3-million [this year] to replace 8 551 missing manhole covers in Sandton, Alexandra, Soweto, Roodepoort and Joburg's CBD as well as Deep South," says the water utility's acting communications and marketing manager, Baldwin Matsimela.
According to Joburg Water, thieves take iron manhole and water meter covers to sell as scrap metal.
The utility is now replacing such covers with ones made of a polymer-concrete mix, which will not have resale or scrap value.
Joburg Water, says Matsimela, has identified several 'hot spots' where missing covers pose a threat. These will be replaced as a matter of urgency.
Existing manhole covers will be also be repaired and framed, making it more difficult for them to be removed.
Residents are urged to report any theft of manhole covers on 0800 150 000 - an anonymous toll-free number.
"The service is completely confidential and will assist Johannesburg Water and the South African Police Service in tracking down and arresting culprits," Matsimela says.
To report missing covers, call the Johannesburg Water 24-hour call centre on 011 688 1500.
The utility will send a team out to replace the covers as soon as Joburg Water receives the report, says Matsimela.
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