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ELSIES RIVER: THEFT, DAMAGE AT WATER COLLECTION POINT
B orehole d rilling Borehole drilling e quipment s tolen equipment stolen Borehole drilling operator Lymond Nkambinde shows the rig that was vandalised. PHOTO: TARRYNLEIGH SOLOMONS
TARRYNLEIGH SOLOMONS @tarryns07
A
s Day Zero approaches, a borehole drilling company fell victim to theft in Elsies River on Wednesday 24 Janu-
ary. Construction of the water collection point in the area is currently underway on the grounds of Balvenie Primary School. Drilling Africa was appointed to drill water points, but had a very unfortunate experience. The company’s manager, Herman le Roux, says he and his team went out to the site on Tuesday 23 January to start setting
up for the project to begin. “We started drilling on Tuesday [23 January] until about 18:00. We then left the drilling rig on the truck and left. Our plan was to continue drilling the next morning. “Before we arrived at the site on Wednesday [24 January], my boss called me to say that a tracking company called him at 03:00. According to the tracking company, the battery was disconnected,” explains le Roux. When they arrived at the site the following day, le Roux says the entire machine was vandalised and cables were stolen. The estimated damage of the equipment was R170 000. “We assessed everything that’s
wrong then I made a case at Elsies River police station. “I also went around to scrap yards in the area and told them to call me if anyone sells speciliased tools,” says le Roux. According to le Roux, this will be the point at which residents of Elsies River and Ravensmead will have to collect water. Even though the theft of equipment delayed the project, le Roux says they commenced with the drilling on Saturday 27 January. “In the first hole, we drilled 90metres until we found water, then in the second hole we drilled 96metres. The next step is for the water to be tested,” explains le Roux.
Elsies River police spokesperson Daphne O’Reilly has confirmed that a case of theft. She also appeals to the community to take Day Zero seriously. “As we approach Day Zero, it’s unfortunate to note that people stole structures of the only water collection point in the area. We want to warn that this is the only collection point for the area,” says O’Reilly. There have been no arrests since the incident occurred. Anyone with information has been encouraged to contact Warrant Officer Melvin Bernado on 021 928 1400. V What is your opinion on this article? Let us know at briewe@tygerburger.co.za.