Picture: The Pilanesberg Airport gutted by fire/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West, calls on the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) to investigate the possibility of economic sabotage in the province. This comes after the growing sporadic fires targeting critical infrastructure within the province, such as yesterday’s fire at Pilanesberg Airport.
The DA Caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said the fire caused serious damage to the facility’s infrastructure.
Sonakile further said they appreciate the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management’s undertaking to investigate the cause of the fire, however, they believe closer scrutiny must be given as there appears to be much more behind these fires.
“Critical infrastructure has been engulfed by fire leaving a trail of destruction in North West over the last few years. Specifically, yesterday’s Pilanesberg Airport, then Christiana Hospital, the Mmabatho Palms Resort, and a section of the Department of Social Development’s offices.
“This includes a section of the Department of Agriculture’s offices, the Lichtenburg Waste Tyre Depot, and the Potchefstroom Train Station, not to mention the massive veld fires destroying tens of hectares of vegetation, livestock, and property,” he added.
Sonakile said they conducted an unannounced oversight inspection at the Pilanesberg Airport on 11 August 2023 and were escorted to the Tower by the Air Traffic Controller and came across an open, unmanned server room, which in itself posed a severe fire risk.
He said while the intention of their oversight inspection was mainly to monitor the renovation project piloted by the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, there was no sign of any repairs or maintenance.
“There was no contractor or maintenance company on site. We have already submitted a written question to the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari through the Legislature to account for the absence of any work at the airport. These fires are causing the destruction of critical infrastructure required to deliver services to residents.
“The destruction brought by fire not only threatens the safety of residents but also impacts negatively on economic development, economic growth, job creation, and security, attracting investment,” said Sonakile.
He said that renovating or rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed by fire puts an additional burden on the fiscus during a time when the government hardly has enough money to deliver even the most basic of services. Sonakile said these fires must be thoroughly investigated.
“If due to some sort of economic sabotage, those found to be responsible must be prosecuted, and if due to negligence, those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “We have ordered an immediate investigation. We would like to leave no stone unturned to ensure we get to the bottom of the cause of the fire.”
The Guardian 