What can be done about it? The eradication of the vandalism of sport and recreation facilities is neither simple nor straight forward.

GENERAL SOLUTIONS

· Involve the community from the onset, before the facility is constructed, in decision making regarding the design, location and expected usage of the facility.
· Setting up forums / steering committees representing a wide range of stakeholders in the community.
· Hand the management of the facility over to the local sports committee.
· Employ a caretaker who can look after the facility full-time.
· Active involvement of local politicians, councilors and all leaders in the community.
· Involvement of individuals / clubs and community organizations and out of sport via committees / action groups.
· Involvement of the youth through organized, educated use of facilities.
· Local communities and individuals to take responsibility fro the problem and to adopt the facilities as their own.
· Social upliftment of communities
· Promotion and marketing of the use of facilities to demonstrate their value to the local community.
· Sourcing of funds for the proper maintenance and management of facilities.
· Ongoing education of communities to combat lawlessness and vandalism.
· Training of facility managers.

SECURITY

Security is of the utmost importance. The first line of security is the fencing around the sport complex site.

Fencing is a specialized trade. Only general comments on the utilization of different types of fencing that will enhance security are therefore offered.

Fencing
“Closed” type of fencing.
· Brick walling
· Precast concrete walling
· Corrugated steel sheeting.

“Open” types of fencing
· Wire mesh fencing
· Steel palisades
· Concrete palisades
The decision on the type of fencing will be determined by:
· The ultimate use of the facility, e.g. privacy may be needed where entrance fees are charged and closed fencing will therefore be required.
· The availability of funds, as concrete palisades are obviously far more expensive than wire mesh fencing.

Example: Brick Walling

For added security, brick walls should have razor wire firmly secured to the walls:

Click pic for larger image.

Maintenance: Repairs should immediately be done to any first break of security fencing, e.g. one broken wire strand will make the fence vulnerable.

Example: Precast concrete walls

Maintenenance: Inspect fence weekly and repair broken panels immediately.  This also applies to razor coils on top of wall.

Hint: Invite community groups/schools to paint murals on the walls.  This will not only enhance the looks of the facility, but will also serve as a deterent for vandals waiting to steal parts of the walling.

Example: Corrugated steel sheeting

In spite of the "value" of corrugated iron sheeting as a general building material this can be a very effective and secure fence as it is not very expensive and the sharp edges of sheeting are as effective as razor wire, but the following details should apply:

Maintenance:  Inspect fence weekly and repair damage or areas tampered with.  Replace any tampered screws and bolts.  Make sure fence is sturdy.

Example: Wire mesh fencing

Fencing contractors have specific details with the following found to be effective.  All critical areas should be fenced in e.g. pumps, boreholes, tanks.

Maintenance:  Inspect fence weekly.  Repair any cut wires - especially razor coils on top.