NATIONAL NEWS - Offline computer systems, leaking roofs, and deficient telephone systems are some of the dire challenges facing the Pietermaritzburg SAPS detective’s branch in Loop Street.
This was revealed by several sources who said not having access to the tools of trade was hindering their ability to work and serve the community properly.
The sources told The Witness that the poor conditions of the branch were frustrating them and causing delays in investigating matters, thus hampering service delivery.
They said apparently the police station owed Msunduzi Municipality money and their electricity supply is limited because of the debt.
“Our system is offline most of the time. Things as simple as sending an e-mail take longer and that’s so frustrating as you’ll need to go elsewhere for it. As much as it is frustrating to the detectives, the public also gets frustrated. People come with queries about their cases but it’s difficult to access files when the systems are down,” said the sources.
They added that, for about three years, their telephone system has not worked properly and it is difficult for members of the public or anyone else to reach them.
They said they rely on the main station or people in other offices for assistance. “Nothing is working in this building,” they said.
The building did not emerge unscathed from the heavy storm in December, which caused widespread damage across the city.
Sources at the office said the building is badly in need of repairs, particularly to the roof, as most of the offices, especially the commander’s office, get flooded whenever it rains.
“The general public doesn’t realise what is happening. They come to the counter and see us there. They don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes and our working conditions. The station is in the centre of the CBD and most people come to us for assistance but sometimes it’s difficult to assist them,” said the sources.
The sources said there was also a sewer manhole that overflows nearby causing a terrible smell in the yard.
They said it had been flowing for months and even though it had been reported to the relevant authorities, nothing has been done.
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure says they have no outstanding payments
The national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) said their account with Msunduzi Municipality was up to date and they have no outstanding payments. Its spokesperson, Thami Mchunu, said the department was aware of the damage at the station caused by the heavy rains and was in the process of repairing the building.
During a site inspection conducted by DPWI recently, we discovered that the extreme weather conditions experienced recently have caused extensive damages. The extensive damage meant that the roof could not be repaired using normal day-to-day maintenance.
“The police station is a heritage building. It has clay roof tiles which are [a mixture of] Marseilles roof tiles and Marley slate tiles. The tiles were extensively damaged by the hail and heavy rains experienced in the area,” said Mchunu, adding that heritage buildings needed specialised maintenance and repair techniques.
He added that the DPWI was currently following internal processes together with the SAPS which will lead to getting the building repaired.
Msunduzi Municipality responds
Msunduzi Municipality spokesperson, Ntobeko Mkhize, said she could not confirm how much was owed by the Pietermaritzburg Police Station but it fell under government departments that owed the municipality R223 million.
“While the municipality is unable to discuss consumer accounts with the third party, we can confirm that the municipality has intensified its efforts to collect the amount of money that is owed by consumers.
The municipality will remain firm on its stance to implement its credit control and debt collection policies, which means disconnection of services on accounts that are not paid, including rates. The collection of revenue is integral to the financial viability and sustainability of the municipality.
Lizette Lancaster Meyer of the Institute for Security Studies said service delivery was essential in building trust in the community and without adequate police services being provided to residents, it will affect confidence.
“These types of issues need to be resolved as soon as possible because people are suffering and criminals are getting away with their crimes since investigators are unable to attend to these matters,” said Meyer.
