Johannesburg: Eskom has called on consumers to use electricity safely and report illegal connections as the power utility commemorates Electricity Safety Month.
According to South African Government News Agency, Eskom Senior Manager for Health and Safety, Miranda Moahlodi, reported that the power utility has recorded approximately ‘200 public injuries and fatalities’ related to electricity. Moahlodi expressed concern that many electricity-related injuries and deaths go unreported to Eskom due to communities feeling obligated to protect the illegal connections responsible for these incidents.
Further highlighting the issue, Moahlodi noted a rise in criminal activities, including infrastructure vandalism, theft of electricity cables, and attacks on Eskom staff. She appealed to communities to help reduce the aggression and violence faced by Eskom employees, emphasizing that they too have families waiting for them at home after work.
The power utility stressed the importance of reporting exposed wires and illegal connections, as they present a significant threat to community safety, infrastructure, and lives. Eskom pointed out that poorly installed or tampered electrical lines are leading causes of fires in informal settlements and residential areas. By reporting such hazards promptly, fires that could devastate homes and disrupt lives can be prevented.
Eskom urged community involvement in ensuring safety, encouraging individuals to report any dangling or low-hanging wires, open electrical boxes, or unsafe connections observed in their surroundings. The utility emphasized the importance of regularly checking electrical systems, reporting hazards, and adhering to safety guidelines.
Eskom has provided a Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 for reporting crime and illegal activities affecting its infrastructure. Reports can also be emailed to [email protected] or sent via SMS to 31090.
Eskom concluded with a call for collective action, stating, “Together, we can create safer homes, safer workplaces, and ultimately, a safer South Africa.” The utility reminded the public that reporting illegal connections and exposed wires could potentially save lives and urged everyone to practice electrical safety.