Hazardous advertising
SANDTON – An advertising billboard has been erected directly beneath Eskom power lines and has concerned residents and Ward Councillor David Potter.
An advertising billboard on William Nicol Drive in Sandton, is extremely close to an Eskom pylon and power lines and has therefore caught the attention of residents.
Ward 102 councillor David Potter said that he is exceptionally concerned about this billboard and explained that he has escalated the matter to both Eskom and the City of Johannesburg.
Potter added, “One needs to consider the serious danger that these pylons pose. What if the billboard were to fall on a high voltage cable? Also, the safety of the workers who erected this billboard with their cranes should have been considered.”
Kena Media, a Rosebank-based media company, has admitted that they are the owners of this billboard. The media company wishes to be quoted as a whole and said, “The billboard belongs to Kena Media. [It] was earthed by a professional electrician and does not pose any hazards in relation to the power line above it.”
The company said that they would provide the Sandton Chronicle with an Eskom compliance certificate on 14 July. They explained that this certificate would prove that this billboard is not hazardous in terms of the Eskom rules and regulations. However, the newspaper is still waiting for the company to supply this compliance certificate.
Eskom spokesperson, Khulu Phasiwe said, “This matter has been brought to our attention. Eskom is currently working with the City of Johannesburg and a plan has been activated to remove this billboard.”
Sandton Chronicle is following the story with updates to follow.
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