GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The water reservoir on Panorama Hill in Graaff-Reinet has been roofless for more than a month after brand new trusses collapsed during construction shortly before Christmas.
The failed timber trusses are now stacked under black plastic next to the reservoir with no news from the Dr Beyers Naude Municipality as to what their plan of action may be.
Without a roof, the town's water in the reservoir, that comes from the purification works, is unprotected from bird droppings, insects and all manner of floating impurities. Unarmed security guards are on duty, but can do little when accosted by thugs intent on entering the premises.
After the security gate was hit by a vehicle, it does not close properly, leaving the trusses, estimated to be worth about R250 000, vulnerable to thieves.
The sad saga started when the old roof was taken down to make way for a new one in December.
Resident Andy Wiggill, who stays just 150m from the reservoir and has been closely following the goings-on, says construction started on Monday 21 December. "Trusses were put up, but seven collapsed that same night.
On Tuesday they were removed from the water and construction continued, but on the Thursday night the new structure caved in. Early in January they were fished out of the water and the remaining trusses where removed and stacked next to the reservoir."
Wiggell and Liz Buisman, secretary of the Graaff-Reinet Residents and Ratepayers Association, attempted to lay a charge at the Graaff-Reinet Police Station, but were told that the police could not take their statement as the two do not represent the complainant. "We wanted to complain about the shocking waste of taxpayers' money and the lack of security at the reservoir. Surely as a ratepayer I am a complainant?" says Wiggell.
The bent trusses being removed after the structure caved in again.
Photos: Andy Wiggill
Buisman says the municipality is responsible for the reservoir's water quality. "It goes from the reservoir into the town's pipes. The new trusses were put up so badly that the Director of Engineering and Planning, Bennie Arends, told the contractor to take it down.
"So now the reservoir has no roof. The municipality has had a lot of theft and this area is not secure."
Wiggell says it would seem that the botched job is the result of using inferior timber trusses and construction without any proper engineering oversight or specs. "The trusses must be able to carry its own weight, that of the roof and the workmen during construction. This is not a job that just anyone can do."
A tender to supply, deliver and construct a tin roof at the reservoir was posted on the municipality's website on 17 September 2020 with the cut-off date for tenders on 1 October last year, but no further information could be found on the site regarding the eventual value of the tender or the company it was awarded to.
The following is the response received from the municipality after the Advertiser requested answers to a number of detailed questions: "This is an administrative matter that is receiving the necessary attention."
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