Illegal connections lead to electricity cut-off
Parts of Riba Cross and Ga-Madiseng have been without electricity for almost a month.
Residents of London and Stasie said this was caused by illegal connections in their area. Some community members are reportedly stealing electricity in broad daylight. By Tuesday supply had not yet been restored.
In a community meeting attended by Steelburger/Lydenburg News, residents said more than five poles were targeted by izinyokas who are connecting power to households that are not electrified.
“As we speak more than 200 houses are without electricity. We can’t afford to buy takeaways every day. We have been pleading with Eskom in Burgersfort to come and reconnect our power, but we are being sent from pillar to post,” the residents alleged.
They told the newspaper that izinyokas were charging money to people so they could be connected illegally.
“Our children will get electrocuted when they unwittingly touch carelessly laid cables left by those who steal electricity. Some of the cables are situated next to a local primary school in Madiseng. There are live wires everywhere. Our children’s lives are endangered here. At times you will see flames coming from the poles. I am afraid someone will get injured one day,” said resident, Tumelo Malapane.
According to Eskom’s communications officer, Phemelo Biloane, they have a committee working closely with the two communities to come up with lasting solutions to the dilemma.
“As far as we know our legally connected customers have power. Residents are advised to always report illegal connections to our contact centre on 0860-037-566 or to the nearest Eskom office. For their safety, we also urge them to treat such connections and wires as live at all times.
“We also take this opportunity to request adults to teach children not to go near or touch these illegal connections or any other electrical wires. Electricity is very dangerous, and this can lead to serious injuries and death. Illegal connections create constraints on the electricity network, thus leading to the frequent breakdown of critical equipment such as transformers and mini substations.”
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She said illegal connections are known to have caused serious injuries and, in extreme cases, fatalities. “In areas where such connections exist, the risk of electrocution is multiplied. This is due to substandard connections. Illegal connections can cause fire and damage electrical appliances.”
