Disturbing signs of our times

THE City of Windhoek will have to spend about N$84 000 to erase graffiti and other works of vandalism, a Municipality executive has confirmed.

“Vandalism is rampant here,” said the acting chief of corporate communications, marketing and customer care, Sheifert Shigwedha. Shigwedha said the City would rather spend the N$7 000 a month it forks out for reversing damage wrought by vandals on tasks such as waste management or improving general services.Bent signposts, others spray-painted, and poles ripped out of the ground after rain are all casualties of vandal attacks cited by Shigwedha.The acting chief said vandals concentrated on residential neighbourhoods, and that it was at its worst in Khomasdal.”In October 2003 we counted 697 incidents of vandalism,” he said, but added that the trend had improved towards the end of the year: 571 incidents in November, a record low of 220 last month.”Perhaps this is because the vandals are out on holiday or are busy with other activities over the festive season,” he speculated.Shigwedha said that, in his opinion, curbing street vandalism required keeping the city’s youth entertained.Acting Chief Traffic Officer Helene Davis underscored the criminal nature of vandalism.She said the traffic department was looking at measures to prevent vandalism but no campaign strategy was ready yet.”We are aware of the financial setbacks caused by vandalism, and have urged citizens to report vandals to the Police,” she said.Davis gave an assurance that potential solutions would receive serious attention.Vandals who are caught are charged with malicious damage to property.Norman Tjombe, of the Legal Assistance Centre, said: “Once found guilty, and depending on the value of the damage done, the person is fined or, very often … imprisoned”.Shigwedha said the City would rather spend the N$7 000 a month it forks out for reversing damage wrought by vandals on tasks such as waste management or improving general services. Bent signposts, others spray-painted, and poles ripped out of the ground after rain are all casualties of vandal attacks cited by Shigwedha. The acting chief said vandals concentrated on residential neighbourhoods, and that it was at its worst in Khomasdal. “In October 2003 we counted 697 incidents of vandalism,” he said, but added that the trend had improved towards the end of the year: 571 incidents in November, a record low of 220 last month. “Perhaps this is because the vandals are out on holiday or are busy with other activities over the festive season,” he speculated. Shigwedha said that, in his opinion, curbing street vandalism required keeping the city’s youth entertained. Acting Chief Traffic Officer Helene Davis underscored the criminal nature of vandalism. She said the traffic department was looking at measures to prevent vandalism but no campaign strategy was ready yet. “We are aware of the financial setbacks caused by vandalism, and have urged citizens to report vandals to the Police,” she said. Davis gave an assurance that potential solutions would receive serious attention. Vandals who are caught are charged with malicious damage to property. Norman Tjombe, of the Legal Assistance Centre, said: “Once found guilty, and depending on the value of the damage done, the person is fined or, very often … imprisoned”.