Africa-Press – Namibia. Residents of the Water Affair area at Grootfontein say their lives are at risk due to unattended and unstable electricity poles.
They say some of the poles are leaning dangerously into the streets, threatening a collapse and potential disaster.
Namibia University of Science and Technology Rietfontein lecturer and Grootfontein resident Sheelagh Ndahepele says if the pole were to fall, it could cause electrical shocks, a fire or another accident that could result in injuries.
He adds that the instability of the infrastructure could disrupt power supply to households, businesses and essential services.
“The Central North Regional Electricity Distributor (Cenored) must conduct an urgent inspection of the pole and surrounding infrastructure to assess the situation and take necessary actions to stabilise or replace the pole. Regular maintenance and inspection of electrical infrastructure should be conducted to prevent similar situations in the future,” Ndahepele says.
Community activist Benjamin Pablo has raised concerns, saying weakened poles could collapse at any time, especially during strong winds or heavy rains.
“If it falls, it could strike homes, vehicles or individuals passing by, leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. Beyond the physical danger, there is also the threat of live electrical wires making contact with the ground or nearby structures. This could result in electrocution, uncontrollable fires or extended power outages that disrupt daily activities such as schooling, small businesses and essential services in the community,” Pablo says.
He adds that children are most at risk.
“Children, who often play outside, and the elderly, who may not move quickly in emergencies, are particularly vulnerable. The presence of such a hazard creates a sense of fear and anxiety among residents, as they live with uncertainty about their safety,” he adds.
Pablo calls for the emergency repair or replacement of the damaged poles to be prioritised.
“While awaiting official response, temporary safety measures such as barricading the area, placing warning signs or restricting access can help minimise the risk of harm,” he says.
Cenored Grootfontein area manager Hezekiel Helmuth this week said the utility is working on the matter.
He said they are making poles, after which, they will cut the branches hanging on the powerline. He said there are plans to later dismantle the entire line due to planned upgrades to the lines.
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