Eskom’s plans to build 1,142KM power line causes dispute with residents
Local residents were alarmed when they witnessed contractors, on behalf of Eskom, destroying vegetation to make way for the installations.
MARLOTH PARK – Eskom plans to build a 1,142KM power line and install a 500kVA transformer on the Swartwitpens Road.
Local residents were alarmed when they witnessed contractors, on behalf of Eskom, destroying vegetation to make way for the installations.
According to Eskom’s media spokesman, Mr Eric Khoza, “Eskom appointed a contractor to execute the project. The community has since declared a dispute with the bush-clearing contractor and the latter has been removed from the site.” said Khoza.
Mr Arthur Maker, a resident voiced his concerns, “They have not consulted any of the property owners regarding the bush clearing, now my once beautiful view has been reduced to dust. They have cleared the bush for five metres on either side of the road. I contacted the local municipality, who said Eskom was a private company and therefor none of their concern. I urged the contractors to stop what they were doing until the matter had been discussed.”
He added, “They informed me that the electric wires would be above ground on poles and would stretch from Swartwitpens Road all the way down to the river.”
Khoza said, “Eskom would like to put it on record that a tree-cutting permit is in place and the overhead structures plan provides for 12m poles to ensure the safety of giraffe and other game. The project will proceed only when the dispute has been resolved.”
Spokesman for the local municipality, Cyril Ripinga said, “Yes, the municipality has applied for electricity to be supplied in Seekoei Road, currently not all the residents in this area have electricity. However, Eskom must comply with the required standards in Marloth Park, for example giraffe are tall and the poles would have to comply with the required height needed to prevent the animals from being injured. Eskom is responsible for the country’s supply of electricity and would therefore know where to link power lines to supply Seekoei Road with the necessary electricity, and ensure that its activities are not harmful to the environment.”
