The sentiments of the staff at Profettio Accounting and Tax Practitioners, who have waited nearly four days for the municipality to repair an exposed underground cable in Bhimy Damane Street.

Profettio’s two receptionists, Connie Massyn and Mirna van Niekerk turned to www.mobserver.co.za out of frustration, after numerous attempts to report the cable turned out fruitless.

Mirna explains that the cable, which is situated opposite the company on the other side of Bhimy Damane Street, started short circuiting on Monday afternoon.

The initial short was so loud, that they thought a bird had flown into their window. When they looked up, sparks were flying and a column of smoke filled the air.

Several unsuccessful attempts to contact the electrical department’s emergency line soon lead the two ladies to contact the Fire Department.

“The call operator first laughed at us before transferring the call to the municipality. When the official answered the call, they said that we need to contact the ward councillor. She acknowledged that it is an ANC ward but further stated that it was pointless to provide us with the councillor’s number because our call would go unanswered. So she then referred us to DA Ward Councillor, Sanmari Wait.” Ms Massyn explained.

When by Tuesday, the fault had still not been repaired, the duo followed up with Councillor Wait who then reported the fault a second time before providing them with the relevant municipal contact number.

Ms Van Niekerk further described how the cable, which was buried under paving bricks, was shorting with such impact that the bricks shot out of the ground, leaving a gaping hole that keeps growing.

The cable short-circuits sporadically, but intensifies when traffic is heavy. Heavy rainfall has now resulted that the live cable is buried in mud and water.

The two ladies further expressed their concern for public safety, adding that they are located behind Laerskool Middelburg and parents frequently stop there for parking.

“Tomorrow they will be handing out report cards. That hole is not barricaded and what if a child were to step in it and be electrocuted?”

Www.mobserver.co.za has sent a media enquiry to the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality’s communication office, a response is still being waited upon.