Destruction along the N2
Taxpayers will be footing the bill for repairs to the vandalised fence and paved walkway along the N2 through George. The vandalism stretches over 8km.
The project by the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) to erect the fence, lay paving and install security lighting in 2016 cost about R43-million.
Vandalism to the heavy-duty welded-mesh fence started from the outset of the project while the fence was still being put up, and has continued since. Thieves are removing complete sections of the fence and large parts of the paving have been stolen. Stretches of the walkway have also been dug up, apparently by cable thieves. All the light poles have been broken and none of the 177 LED lights remain.
The damage can be seen all along the fence from the Garden Route Mall up to the York Street interchange.
Randall Cable, Sanral Western Region manager, said the damage will be repaired as its primary function is to restrict animals from entering the road reserve and roadway, as well as channel pedestrians to safe crossing points such as the bridges.
"The fence serves an important function to provide a safer road environment. Sanral will therefore continue to repair and replace vandalised sections of the fence to ensure the safety of road users, but within the constraints of limited budgets. More sustainable solutions require the support of communities to ensure active citizenry to protect and secure all our infrastructure.
"Sanral will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to address criminal behaviour and bring the guilty parties to book. We appeal to community members to do the same."
George Herald is waiting for a response on how much the repairs have cost the taxpayer so far and how much the current damage will cost to repair.