Manelec leaves cables exposed

EXPOSED electric cables in a trench that was left open for at least two weeks, were a cause for concern for a local pensioner.

Walking her dog, the woman, who did not want to be named, said she was shocked – figuratively rather than literally – when she saw the open trench and exposed cables on Steenbras Road.

She said she first noticed mounds of dirt around the trench two weeks ago, but only realised last weekend it had been left open with exposed cables.
She feared what would happen if a child or animal decided to explore the hole.

TotT investigated and saw the cables led to an electrical box. A small sign with the warning “danger, electric fence” lay on top of the cables. The trench was adjacent to a complex surrounded by an electric fence.

We contacted Popeye Steyn, the manager of Port Alfred‘s electricity supplier Manelec, who confirmed that his company was responsible.
Steyn said the cables led to a metering kiosk and could not explain why the warning sign was lying in the trench.

“We are responsible for the excavations which were open. We did have danger tape around it, but I think the wind might have blown it away. We were not finished and that is why it is still open. We were called away on more serious breakdowns.”

He said Manelec would close the trench on Tuesday.
Asked how long the trench had been left open and about the danger, Steyn said, “I have a lot more to do than to just chat about a little bit of trench.”

After an exchange of email on Tuesday, Steyn told TotT : “The trench is now closed and this communication is also now closed.” - JON HOUZET