Eskom asks residents to stay clear of power lines
Should there be a fault somewhere on the power line, the high current can flow down to the ground, possibly flowing through anyone nearby.
Eskom has noted there has been an increase in the amount of homes being built on power line servitudes without their approval.
This practice is not only against regulations but poses a number of serious safety risks.
“The perception that power lines are harmless due to their size and overhead distance could not be more wrong,” said Miranda Moahlodi, senior manager for occupational health and safety at Eskom.
“In order to ensure the safety of communities, residents are not allowed to live within power line servitudes because it is almost impossible to ensure their safety. “The electricity transmitted via these power lines is extremely high in voltage, reaching up to 765 000 volts. Should there be a fault somewhere on the power line, the high current can flow down to the ground, possibly flowing through anyone nearby.
“Metal is an excellent conductor and there is a possibility that the electricity might arc to a shack built on the servitude.
“Apart from the safety concerns that building close to the power lines causes, the buildings make it difficult for the Eskom officials to access the power lines.”
Moahlodi said inspections are thus made difficult, which can hinder early detection of issues that could cause major damage. Eskom further uses various types of machinery to maintain its power lines which require space to the access the structure.
“We hope the public will heed this call and assist us by only building in designated areas that have been approved by the local municipality and government,” Moahlodi concluded.
