Faulty and damaged green boxes frustrate White City residents

Residents of White City say they have had it with the faulty and damaged green boxes in their streets.

Xaba, Ntombela and Mosia Streets all have faulty and damaged green boxes which trip every time, especially in Winter.

One is left open at Mosia Street, putting everybody’s lives at risk not to mention the young children’s lives who play innocently in the street.

Others are so damaged that huge bricks are placed behind them just so that they stand upright.

“The electricity just switches off especially in Winter and I guess it’s because many people are using electricity at the same time. In summer it’s not so bad,” said Tshiamo Moruri, one of the residents affected.

“I use my phone a lot because I’m currently job hunting and my battery needs to be charged constantly.

“The problem that we have with these green boxes really affects me. I have personally called the people from Eskom at least twice, they do come but nothing ever changes and they never come back.”

Residents have resorted to endangering their lives by trying to fix the green boxes themselves.

“Nobody wants to fix these green boxes, we have to fix them ourselves. When we call them to come fix this issue all they do when they get here is to only take down the street name.

“I moved to this place last year and this has been going on for months now,” said Phila Zuma, another resident of White City.

“When the wire that goes through the circuit break fuses we get our own and connect it. We decided to take matters into our own hands because we can’t sit and wait for the people from Eskom who never arrive. There’s no time for us to feel scared.”

Another resident Nkanyezi Kgosi, who is still in school said “I think the problem is that there are too many people connected to one green box.

“I’m a student and when the power trips it’ s really difficult for me to do my assignments and study. I have to now personally go to the box and switch it back on.”

Nkosana Sibuyi, Eskom Spokesperson said they will investigate the matter and feedback will be provided as soon as the investigation has been concluded.

“Safety, at Eskom, is viewed with high regard. We encourage members of the community to continue bringing such matters to our attention so that they can be dealt with accordingly,” said Sibuyi.

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