Bathroom shocks strike Roosevelt Park residents

Residents across Roosevelt Park and surrounding areas have for the last few days experienced electric shocks and surges in their homes.

Reports have emerged on social media stating that people have been shocked while in their showers and bathtubs, and while touching switches and door handles. The matter was urgently logged with City Power and a team was sent out to assess and resolve the situation. Residents had hoped that it was over only to once again experience the electric shocks.

S Aziz, who chose not to disclose her full name, experienced the situation in her home and stated that she had been reporting the matter to City Power, on at least five occasions. The last was logged on July 6 around 17:30pm with a City Power team arriving at their home later that evening. She explained, “They tightened the complexes earth and neutral wires. We thought that solved the problem. Once they left my husband tried showering and the problem was still not fixed.” She, like many other residents, is worried about their safety following the recent deaths of a Crosby couple, who were allegedly killed by electrocution in their shower.

City Power has confirmed that they are aware of the complaints, stating that they received the first complaint from Roosevelt Park in May. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena explained, “Investigation then ensued but all installations were found to be normal. The second complaint was received yesterday (6 July) to which City Power responded with another investigation that has shown that earthing equipment in the mini-substation was rendered inefficient due to overloading of the circuits.”

Mangena added that they are working to rectify the situation and protect the infrastructure by installing new earthing rods and mats to ground the mini-substation. Mangena stated, “Technicians are expected to resolve the matter today (July 7). If there are still shocks afterwards residents are urged to escalate the matter.”

While the dangerous situation persists, City Power has urged residents to avoid using their electrical installations until the matter has been rectified in order to stay safe. Mangena added, “Residents are warned not to bypass earth leakages in their houses or properties as earth leakages are a source of protection against faults occurring on electrical installations. Earth leakages are a source of protecting residents against any injuries or fatal electrocutions.”

He stated that all electrical infrastructure should have an independent earthing system so that when the supply earth fails, the house is still safe. This earth reading should be stated on the resident’s Certificate of Compliance (COC) adding that without a valid COC, City Power will not be liable for any claim.
This is a developing story and an update will be made once it has become available.