Power lines posing danger to villagers
“The last time I visited them, they told me to buy a pole to balance the cable. I am not working and I cannot afford one. It’s their responsibility, not mine," said homeowner Kaizer Chilwane.
GA MAROGA – Members of the Chilwane family say they live in fear as an Eskom power cable has been laid in their yard. The cable has already electrocuted two kids, and the family is thanked God that they didn’t die.
They told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that they had previously reported the matter to the Eskom offices in Burgersfort, but no one bothered to come and remedy the situation.
“The last time I visited them, they told me to buy a pole to balance the cable. I am not working and I cannot afford one. It’s their responsibility, not mine,” said homeowner Kaizer Chilwane. According to him, they have been living with the cable in their yard for the past eight years.
The paper visited the family to view the supposed “hanging” power line. It passes along the Chilwanes’ small farm in their yard and is about 1,70 metres long.
Another resident said he was also concerned about the hazards the power lines could have on a metal plate, which was inserted in his foot.
Kaizer said he could not be home at all times to prevent the children from playing next to the lines.
“I don’t know what to do now. I am not sure if I have to take the legal route or what. My family is at risk here, I heard the lines cause leukaemia to kids. I just don’t know if it will affect my kids.”
The paper contacted Eskom, where an agent advised the family to report the matter again at the nearest branch.
