adminNyasha Mapasa Manicaland Correspondent
A SCRAMBLE for scrap metal in Mutare has seen some people vandalising council property in a development that has raised alarm.
Scrap metal vendors are making a killing from the trade which earns them US$100 per tonne. Instead of collecting scrap metal, some elements are targeting council infrastructure during the night.
Affected suburbs include Sakubva and Dangamvura.
Council spokesperson Mr Spren Mutiwi confirmed the development.
He said council was now engaging companies dealing in scrap metal in a bid to contain vandalism.
“The level of vandalism of council infrastructure is very high, especially in Sakubva, which is the centre for the scrap metal business,” said Mr Mutiwi.
“We are losing manholes, our water valves have lids and these have been vandalised as well.”
Mr Mutiwi said the destruction of council infrastructure will eventually affect service delivery.
“The same people vandalising our property in return expect efficient service delivery,” he said.
“We are encouraging our residents to be alert and vigilant. They must report to council all those engaging in such activities.
“We have also started engaging companies dealing in scrap metals. It is an issue of concern to us as a local authority.”
Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed thieves were vandalising council and private properties.
“The hunt for used metal has led to the destruction of council property, especially in Sakubva where people are looting iron sewer covers and sign posts,” he said.
“Residents are having sleepless nights checking on their metal properties, especially those with sliding gates.”
An affected resident in Dangamvura Area 3 said the thieves were tormenting people in the area.
“One day I woke up at around 3am after hearing noises from the gate,” said the resident.
“When I went outside to investigate, I realised that the bottom part of my gate had been partially removed.”
Online Reporter