R18m facility vandalised within a month in Motherwell

An R18m multipurpose centre in Motherwell has been carried away brick by brick by vandals.

The Siphiwo Mthimkhulu Multipurpose Community Centre in Motherwell NU29 has been left bare due to vandalism in less than a month, according to residents who live next to it.

Water tanks have also been stolen.

Neighbours likened the vandalism to hyenas picking apart a carcass.

The Herald team witnessed running water from the damaged pipes at the centre, contributing to the water leaks crisis the city has been grappling with.

The electrical cables were stolen from the wall as well as the plumbing system, the toilets and the doors.

There was nothing inside the facility except rubble, running water, and fences and windows lying on the floor.

A man who asked to remain anonymous for fear of being targeted said the facility was vandalised during level 1 of the lockdown in a space of three to four weeks.

He said there were no security guards or CCTV cameras at the centre.

The man claimed the vandals had stolen all the electrical cables, and  people were using the stolen municipal assets to build shacks not far from the centre.

Another resident said the criminals had started by stealing the fence from the front of the facility.

“This empty hall will be a den for criminals. When they are done with the hall, they will come to rape us. We don’t feel safe because of this hall,” the neighbour said.

Meanwhile, the Uitenhage multipurpose centre also did not have any access control, a security guard or cameras.

The hockey turf was now tall grass and a floodlight pole had fallen down.

There were no fences around the cricket practice nets, the netball court or the hockey turf. The changing room had no windows or doors.

In one of the rooms, there was someone sleeping in a changing room.

There were also herdsmen who used the facility for feeding their cattle as parts of the concrete precast walls were broken as well.

The Helenvale multipurpose centre was the best run facility, apart from 30 holes in the wall believed to have been caused by gang shoot-outs and stones thrown by children.

Acting centre manager Leilana Armans said they had cameras, electric fencing,  floodlights and security guards.

The only concern would be their safety once the shooting started in the area, which is plagued by crime.

Mandela Bay Development Agency spokesperson Luvuyo Bangazi said the Helenvale centre had been completed in 2014.

He attributed the good condition of the facility to getting the buy-in from the community, saying “we got people to take ownership from its design”.

“We empowered local people to work as receptionists, acting manager and cleaners. They’re all from Helenvale.

“If there are shack fires, those who are affected live there until their temporary structures are built.”

He said people looked at the centre as a place of hope and the facility, which cost between R40m and R60m to build, included a corner park for residents.

Nelson Mandela Bay municipality spokesperson Mamela Ndamase said the vandalism at the Motherwell centre had been brought to the city’s attention.

“There was no security at the facility as it was closed in line with the Covid-19 regulations and Disaster Management Act. The facility was fully operational up until March 26.

“The city has noted with concern the increase in the number of vandalism incidents around the city. This includes libraries and sport fields.

“Thieves took advantage of the lockdown and attacked the community facilities,” she said.

“The safety and security directorate is working closely with all relevant departments to come up with a plan to tackle the crime.

“We condemn these acts of crime and call on residents to take ownership of these facilities because the culprits live among the communities and are known by some residents.”

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