Children exposed to danger from low installed electricity transformer

TAFELKOP – Tafelkop villagers fear for safety of their children following lack of fencing around low installed electricity transformers in the area.

Residents told Sekhukhune times reporter that the low installed transformers have been a problem for them since 2012.

Jeffry Walker, a community leader, said they have approached ESKOM a number of times to attend the problem but nothing had been done to date.

Walker said children as young as four years could easily reach the transformers because they were placed low and were without fencing.

“The transformers are posing a serious danger to our children. Adding to the problem is that there is a soccer ground near them. We see every day children playing near the transformers and them being children, we are scared something will go seriously wrong.

He said they have pointed this out to officials several times, but nothing has been done.

“Most of the time these children, as young as 5 years could be seen playing close to the transformers. We do not want something bad to happen to them before we can take the matter seriously. This should be addressed immediately,” he said.

Residents said they demanded that the poor infrastructure be given attention before is too late.

Walker further said the municipality and Eskom needed to act immediately on the problem before a child gets electrocuted.

“This is a concern to all residents. These transformers are all over where there high mast lights and poses a danger to community members,” he worried.

Walker said the situation has turned their village into a death trap in particular children.

“They need to be fenced immediately,” he said.

Attempts to get comment from Eskom were not successful at the time of going to press.