CoE comments on exposed wires in Kempton Park

The City of Ekurhuleni has said it was not aware that the wires of a fallen streetlight had been exposed, which poses a threat to the community.

On August 17, the Kempton Express reported that after a vehicle struck a streetlight pole along Rienert Avenue in Edleen on July 4, the electrical wires were left exposed.

“The crash took out the whole pole,” said resident Bernie Hope.

She said she assumed the municipality will be quick to the incident because of the exposed wires.

“This is a danger to the community and it affects all the other street lights along the road,” Hope said.

ALSO READ: CoE and stakeholders hold a dialogue in Kempton Park

Ward councillor Tracey Lourenco also weighed in on the matter.

She said people could be electrocuted. She said her concern was for the many children who make use of Rienert Avenue daily.

The spokesperson for the CoE, Zweli Dlamini, said they only became aware of the situation after the Kempton Express issued an enquiry.

Dlamini said that the CoE did not have a service provider to assist with the actual repairs and collection of scrap from the site.

“Cables were tested for power supply and are confirmed to be dead.

“Furthermore, the team covered the cables with soil to hide them from the public and switched the breaker from the supply point off, to ensure extra safety measures.

“The pole will be removed from the site properly,” said Dlamini.

ALSO READ: CoE constructs a bridge in Pomona

Dlamini said all street light repairs are delayed.

He told the Kempton Express that power has been isolated for the safety of the public but that all streetlight cables should be treated as alive.