Residents want action from City Power
ALEXANDRA – Residents concerned of health and environmental risks from power substation.
Residents of Sole Crescent in Phase 3, Alex are concerned about their safety and environmental health emanating from an unprotected electricity sub-station next to their houses.
The station is seemingly one of the main ones in the township. Resident Zindaba Mabasa said children were particularly at risk of being electrocuted from the boxes which aren’t elevated and in an open space where the children play.
“Some of the boxes are left open either by City Power’s staff after working on them or, by those wanting to steal copper wire, or by vagrants who occasionally stay on site,” Mabasa said.
He added that some residents also dump refuse on the site causing health and environmental hazards. “Occasionally, we find purses and other items likely stolen from victims, dumped here. We also see strange people loitering around and fear they will attack us.” He added that the utility has not responded to his several correspondences and that they pulled out a fence he installed in 2012 as a temporary measure but didn’t replace it with anything. Also, he installed a danger warning sign he said should have been done by them.
He urged the utility to construct a high wall with a lockable gate that can’t be tempered with.
Mabasa’s neighbourm, Frank Pootona said the neglect forced them to clear the place of bushy grass, which is used as cover by criminals and also as a home by vagrants.
“We fear that people killed in other areas, and foetuses, will be dumped here. Also, residents arriving at night have to drive around to ensure they are safe before opening their gates,” said Pootona who added that dumping is an environmental danger. “It’s difficult to control people who aren’t conscious of the danger from uncontrolled waste disposal.”
Acting City Power spokesperson, Sandiswa Simelane said they would investigate the complaint to establish its accuracy and effect any corrective measures.
Details: Zindaba Mabasa 081 861 0566; Frank Pootona 073 427 5938.
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