Tuesday 20 January 2009

Mindless vandalism frustrates Council and community

Both the Clutha District Council and Kaitangata and Districts Promotions are frustrated by the increasing amount of mindless and costly vandalism to and around the Kaitangata Water Treatment Plant.

The latest incident, during the recent holiday period, saw vandals cut through the gate in the fence surrounding the Water Treatment Plant and throw planks of wood into the water tanks.

Council Water Services Manager Hank Stocker said the fence had only been erected late last year following a tagging attack on the plant and persistent damage to the track and grounds by motorbikes.

“Fortunately the water supply has not yet been contaminated or disrupted; but it easily could be, with serious inconvenience and health issues for Kaitangata and the Wangaloa farming community who rely on this plant for their water supply,” he said.

“Furthermore, all relevant costs, including cleaning and repairs of damaged equipment and preventative measures, fall directly on the local Kaitangata and Wangaloa communities.”

Mr Stocker said the latest vandalism had been reported to Police who were investigating.

“Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Council or the Police in order to support the local water supply and reduce the completely unnecessary costs falling on the local community.”

He said Council was now considering further preventative measures including surveillance cameras.

The local Kaitangata and Districts Promotions group is also very concerned at the damage and vandalism occurring at the Water Treatment Plant.

“To save costs and eliminate the vandalism, we suggest that we work together as a community to self-regulate the problem and provide a logical and easy solution. This solution could happen immediately with virtually no effort and at no cost to the Kaitangata community,” said spokesperson Joyce Beck.

“Surely it is in the best interests of community development to work together for a proactive outcome to issues in what is essentially our own back yard,” she said.