Be cautious during loadshedding, urges RNM
People should exercise extra caution during loadshedding by switching off all electric plugs.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) spokesperson, Simon April has urged residents to exercise extra caution during loadshedding, by switching off all electric appliances and plugs.
A one-year-old child, Phelokuhle Sikotoyi, died in a house fire Ezintandaneni, Gamalakhe recently, after electricity was restored after loadshedding.
This was not the first incident in RNM and Ugu district which has left the community with questions as to who should be responsible for assisting and rebuilding the affected homes.
April said loadshedding is carried out by Eskom and therefore the municipality cannot be held responsible.
“Power loadshedding is done by Eskom and not the municipality and therefore the municipality cannot be held responsible, especially in an Eskom area of supply. The households that allege that their houses have caught fire because of loadshedding should liaise directly with Eskom,” said April.
He said regarding the incident at Ezintandaneni, the family has been assisted by the ward councillor to liaise with Eskom.
“The councillor visited the family on the same day, but also our Fire Rescue and Disaster personnel were dispatched.”
April added that the leadership also sent a delegation of two Exco councillors to visit the family on Sunday, April 16.
“The family has been assisted with temporary relief, which included groceries, blankets and mattresses, but in addition to that the Department of Social Development was roped in to assist. People should exercise extra caution during loadshedding by switching off all electric plugs as a caution.
“No matter what the outcome of the investigation on the cause of the fire, it is sad that an innocent soul ended dying as a result thereof, and the leadership of RNM is keeping the family of the deceased in its prayers,” said April.
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