Open and exposed electrical wiring at the Letsitele pump station poses a massive danger to workers, yet the Municipality procrastinates in fixing it.
The DA in Tzaneen has written with urgency to the Municipal Manager, Donald Mhangwana, to attend to the issue.
We expect them to remedy the following which they currently do not comply with:
• The South African Standard (SANS 10142-1)
• The Electrical Installation Regulations of 2020, and
• The Occupational Health and Safety Act, no. 85 of 1993
We received a complaint of the hazardous environment at the pump station after a resident alerted us and said he received no assistance from the municipality. Apparently the wiring has been left exposed and unattended for more than three years now.
Our own oversight, together with a qualified electrician, confirmed gross neglect at the pump station which can potentially be fatal:
- The municipal electricity distribution boxes were unlocked and open, which expose electrical wires;
- This high voltage equipment, lightning arrestors are blown out by lightning strikes and not repaired;
- The lamp pole box is open and exposed at low ground level and exposed to rain, which increases the risk of possible electrocution of passers-by.
- Earthing wires are cut and in some areas missing.
(See photos here, here and here).
The current non-compliant and broken earth system can fatally shock anyone. There are foot paths along these fences and lines being used daily by pedestrians.
The situation at Letsitele is not an isolated incident of electrical non-compliance. The shower room at the Letsitele dumping site has an open electricity box which is not only dangerous, but illegal. (See photo here)
As an interim measure, the DA has barricaded some areas around the pump station to warn and keep the public safe. (See photos here)
We will also take the matter up with the Mayor, Gerson Molapisane, to intervene before tragedy strikes.