Use electricity responsibly to avoid accidents
Officials from Ekom took community members, councillors and media from various parts of KwaZulu-Natal on a walkabout in Odidini last week, pointing out all electrical hazards.
PROACTIVE steps are being taken to curb electrical fatalities and injuries within communities.
Officials from Eskom took community members, councillors and media from various parts of KwaZulu-Natal on a walkabout in Odidini last week, pointing out all electrical hazards.
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The walk included informative sessions where community members as well as pupils from Sukamuva High and Mceleni Primary were shown the dangers of illegal connections and educated on how to avoid these dangers.
“In the past year, 13 people died due to the unsafe use of electricity, which 13 too many. Most of these were due to illegal connections which are rife in some of our communities,” said Agnes Mlambo, KZN Operating Unit general manager. “All year round, our teams carry out educational campaigns to raise awareness on the dangers posed by illegal connections and tampering of meters.”
Community members were warned not to touch anything electrical if their hands or feet were wet, since any contact with live electricity could lead to shock and possibly death.
They were also advised to check the condition of the electricity cables in and around their homes, the condition of plugs and to be aware of exposed cables lying out in the open as well as low hanging conductors.
“Eskom plans to roll out an electrification project to Odidini in 2021/22, but in the meantime some people have already connected themselves illegally,” said Ms Mlambo.
All unsafe conditions can be reported to Eskom at 086-0037566.
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