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Fires in the Warrenton area have exposed the need for Eskom to urgently implement fire prevention measures along its power lines.

Warrenton residents have been without electricity for three days, following a blaze on the Ganspan dirt road that jumped across the N18, decimating grazing land and a number of farms. During the fire, five electricity poles on the main supply line to Warrenton also burnt down, causing a power cut in Warrenton and surrounding towns.

This is one of many fires over the past month that has caused damage to electrical infrastructure in the Magareng area. Previously, a number of towns, including Reivilo, were left without power for almost a week.

In addition to load-shedding, this has been crippling to the local economy and caused millions of rands worth of damage to farmers and landowners who are already struggling with the high cost of living.

While the DA will be following up with law enforcement regarding allegations of arson, Eskom has an immediate role to play in mitigating the devastation caused by the increasing number of fires occurring in the area.

In the past, Eskom used to maintain the immediate area surrounding its power lines by clearing the scrub, effectively creating fire breaks along the lines. This would significantly decrease the risk posed by fires to the Eskom power poles, safeguarding electrical infrastructure, minimizing costs and helping to prevent additional power cuts. This would also serve as a valuable preventative safety measure for farmers, homeowners and businesses.

The DA has submitted a request to the local Eskom office to urgently initiate maintenance along its power lines in the Magareng area. Eskom owes it to residents suffering the triple blows of loadshedding, fires and fire-initiated power cuts, to help minimize further damages.

Issued by Willem Potgieter, Cllr - Magareng Municipality