Electrical meter box explosion of sparks safety concerns and double billing issues

The explosion of an electrical meter box has left residents in Daggafontein facing a plethora of problems, including financial constraints and safety concerns over low-hanging electrical wires.

Neighbours Roxane Vaul and Jannet Van der Westhuizen said their issues began when the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) converted their meter box to prepaid on February 21. However, they still have to pay their monthly electrical bill, besides the prepaid electricity.

“The first explosion was in February before we converted to prepaid. On April 4, our meter box exploded again; this time it was worse.

“The box was in flames and when finally extinguished, there was nothing left of the box. Another neighbour’s meter box got damaged,” Vaul said.

Two streets had no power for a week after the explosion. She added the CoE temporarily connected them to the streetlight, to have power.

Vaul said the prepaid electricity installer told them the installation would include 45 free units but as soon as they paid their monthly electricity bill, it deducted the free units.

“We had to pay the full February electricity bill, though we had prepaid since February 21. I had to pay R4 500 for the electricity bill and an additional R2 500 for the prepaid electricity. It is a massive financial strain on us because we have paid two accounts since February,” she said.

After the explosion, the two residents also voiced their concerns about the low-hanging electrical wires.

“The wires were hanging so low that it was difficult to get into my driveway. I had to stop my son when he almost touched the wires. The pole was slanted; it came crashing down during the week,” she said.

Upon enquiring at the municipality about her electrical bill, Vaul said an employee said she still had to pay R4 000.

“I told the lady it was impossible, and she said she could see on the system I am now on prepaid. However, eight people still have to sign off on our meter box being converted to prepaid.

“She said because these eight people still have not signed off on the conversion, I am still required to continue paying my electricity bill,” she explained.

Vaul said she communicated with ward Clr Mike du Toit, who said an electrical engineer would be at their property to fix the wires on May 23.

“The electrical engineer that was supposed to come never showed up. When I texted the councillor about the issue, he ignored my texts.

We are so tired of enquiring and not getting any assistance. We have suffered financially the past two months because of this,” Vaul said. An enquiry to the municipality yielded no response at the time of publication.

ALSO CHECK: Afriforum en GPF ruk park in Struisbult reg

ALSO CHECK: Young minds inspired by visual art at Springs Gallery walkabout