POLOKWANE – The uncovered electrical wires near several schools, a church and supermarket in the city has people worried and up in arms about the general safety of residents and especially the children.
After the recent tragic incident where a primary school learner lost her life, several residents in the city have contacted Review regarding this issue.
A concerned parent, Monica Botha, showed Review some exposed wires near the school in Genl Maritz Street and expressed her concern about the safety of the children who play in the area while waiting for their lifts after school.
She said the learners are young and might accidentally touch the wires out of curiosity and be electrocuted.
At another school in Buluwayo Street in Ladanna, another concerned parent whose child is in the pre-school, Joyce Mabalala, said she noticed some uncovered wires near the school as well and she says she contacted the Polokwane Municipality several times to inform them of the open wires, however, she said nothing was done about the situation.
“We want the municipality to take the safety of our children seriously and cover these exposed wires,” she said.
Another resident, Francis van Rooyen sent in these photos from around the city:
Muni urges residents to report issues to the correct department
According to Pine Pienaar, Spokesperson from the Polokwane Municipality, these kinds of complaints should be reported to the correct department, the Electrical Control Room, so they can be resolved.
“When a meter box has been driven over completely or an electrical pole has open wires, a short circuit inside should actually isolate the power flow, however, depending on the damage, the wires can still be ‘live’.
“Everyone should refrain from touching any open wires or any other exposed electrical equipment to avoid the risk of being injured,” Pienaar said.
People should report exposed wires to the Electrical Control Room of the Polokwane Municipality so they can resolve the problem as soon as possible.
“We can only act and fix the problem if we are aware of it. We urge residents to stay away from any open wires.”
The Polokwane Municipality Electrical Control Room can be reached 24 hours a day at (015) 290 2490.
