Pupils lives at risk in Wesselton due to open transformer box near school fence
Cattle were seen roaming nearby and pupils play in the sports ground near the transfomer box.
WESSELTON – Residents in Kakati, especially children, are facing the dangers of possibly coming into contact with an open transformer nearby.
The transformer, located near the fence and sports grounds of Qambekile Primary School, poses danger to both the pupils and the cattle roaming around the area.
Highvelder visited the area on August 11 and spoke to residents, including members the Community Workers Programme (CWP) who were working to clean the illegal dumping area by sweeping and burning refuse near the transformer.
A CWP worker said they fear for their lives as they clean the area, and they have to work with caution to ensure they do not come into contact with it.
One resident said a dog was found dead near the transformer box last year. It is believed that it stepped on the electric wires on the ground.
She said Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s (MLM) technicians sometimes come to the area and check the transformer, especially when they are called by residents when there are electric faults.
“We are not sure if the box is open due to vandalism, but it is still the municipality’s responsibility to come and check if the boxes are closed, because they can cause harm to residents, especially children. We ensure that our children don’t leave our sight and we always warn them not to go near the box, because that area is not safe.”
Cattle were seen roaming nearby and pupils play in the sports ground near the box.
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