Community water tanks destroyed
Upset residents baffled after containers ‘squashed’
Residents of Tyolsvalley and Tshisa Street in Bathurst face a dire situation after two communal water tanks meant to assist the community were destroyed mysteriously.
According to ANC Ward 5 councillor Andile Marasi, the two tanks, meant to assist the community during the water crisis, were destroyed on Thursday at about 11pm, a few hours after having been filled.
Explaining how he found out about the incident, Marasi said: “Last night [Thursday] these tanks were being filled up as usual but after 11pm in the evening, when the truck driver drove past them, he noticed that there was no water and they were lying down squashed.”
He said two water tanks had been destroyed by unknown individuals.
One tank had been placed at Tyolsvalley for two weeks, while the other in Tshisa Street had been there for a month.
“What is worse is that the people of that area had a tank, but it was a bit far and they complained and then I tried to get one for them and here it is squashed,” he said.
When asked if the tank would be replaced, Marasi said: “I took it away to the workshop. It needs to be fixed first.
“Replacing it or not it’s a matter of discussion with management.”
Though some residents who reacted on WhatsApp believed it was an act of sabotage, Marasi was circumspect.
“I don’t want to blame anyone about this, but I want to encourage our community members to report such incidents,” he said.
One WhatsApp message forwarded by Marasi read: “This is very bad. The way this tank is crushed it’s hardly impossible that no one heard or saw when the incident happened.
“My main worry is innocent people who want water. What is worse, last night I drove past the truck filling up this tank.”