Umzinto’s Textile Road is in a ‘shocking’ state

Illegal electricity connections are the norm throughout many informal settlements, including those in Umzinto.

Scores of cables are strung from electricity poles and power boxes to fences, walls and trees with some of the most visible being in Textile Road at the entrance to Hazelwood.

This road is used by many, including both residents and those employed at a nearby factory.

Most concerningly, a number of children use the road on their way to and from school.

Maxcene Pillay lives nearby and referred to this criminal act as “an unfair practice”.

“Whenever I use this road to go to the shop, I walk past all these illegally connected cables.

“It’s so unfair when you think about because it means a utility I am paying for is being used free of charge by others,” she said.

People’s safety also needs to be considered as this practise is dangerous, especially now as the rainy season approaches.

In light of the recent heavy rainfall and strong winds which have swept through the area Eskom‘s Senior Manager for Occupational Health and Safety, Miranda Moahlodi has warned of the dangers.

“Eskom advises everyone to be cautious of overhead power cables that are damaged, have collapsed or are low-hanging as a result of stormy weather, vandalism and illegal connections,” she said.

“Illegally connected cables lack safety features such as protective insulation and they sometimes spark and are not always suspended at a safe height above ground level, making it possible for children, the general public and animals to make contact with them with serious consequences.”

“Water is a conductor of electricity and this is why there is an increased risk of injury during the rainy season. If the exposed or damaged power cable touches water, the water conducts the electricity into the ground, puddle, tree or stream. and if a person touches the cable while wet or standing in the water – there is a chance of injury,” explained Ms Moahlodi

The cables illegally connected in Textile Road are already damaged and the wires are exposed, posing a significant danger to those using the road.

These were reported to Eskom just over a year ago, and were all disconnected shortly after the initial report.

According to residents, the problem is that no sooner have the technicians left when the community immediately reconnects the supply.

Everyone is encouraged to report illegal connections to Eskom on 086-0037566.

Electricity safety tips to keep in mind:

• Turn the main switch off if water starts entering the home.
• Remove all electrical equipment such as heaters, chargers, fans and power extensions from the floor and place them on high surfaces to avoid water damage.
• If you suspect that any of your electrical appliances were submerged or have had contact with water, do not use them until you have had a professional declare them safe.
• Do not remove trees or branches that may have fallen onto power lines, especially when it is raining. Rather report this to your local municipality.

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