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Continued …
Martin Williams, Ward 90 councillor said, “Eskom’s behaviour in digging up protected areas in George Lea Park North, where Sandton Sports Club is located, is unacceptable.
“As ward councillor, I have asked City Parks to ensure that citations are issued and penalties enforced.”
In addition, Williams has asked Eskom to agree, in writing, to rectify the situation including rehabilitation of the damaged area. “They should also communicate with the City [through the ward councillor and City Parks], the Sandton Sports Club and the Parkmore Community Association before engaging in such activities.
“From the maps I have seen, it appears Eskom has strayed beyond their servitude, but even if they had not done so, they should not have proceeded to dig without communication, and without any concern about the environment.”
Williams said there is limited merit in the excuse that this is an emergency. “The spruit embankment collapse and the cable theft, which Eskom says threatens to leave half of Sandton without power, happened in January. Yet it is only in the last few weeks that heavy excavations have caused alarm.
“The heavy equipment used by contractors engaged by Eskom has also damaged the car park surface at the sports club.
“The sub-standard security arrangements, with gates left open, night fires and loose arrangements, have raised fears of the park once again being invaded by displaced people.”
Nkosana Sibuyi spokesperson for Eskom said there are repairs currently taking place. There were two cable faults and the current repairs of the 88kv cables. Sibuyi said the contractors working on site do have wayleaves and permits to work there. “The contractor might be working overnight due to the project timelines and trying to meet the deadlines.
“Eskom is working there on the Eskom network and Eskom has a right and obligation to refurbish, strengthen and maintain our network,” said Sibuyi.
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