Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands an investigation into the electrocution of a Northern Cape child at the town park in Douglas, as the result of an exposed cable.
The DA visited the child and his aggrieved family in hospital this week. I made this visit with DA councillor in Siyancuma, Lemfvia van Niekerk.The family is currently seeking legal advice regarding both the incident and the subsequent medical care received at the Hester Malan Hospital in Douglas.
The DA has taken this matter up with the municipality, but their corrective measure was a flimsy, makeshift covering for the exposed cable that is a serious risk to life and limb. The cable is only covered with wire and continues to pose a danger to children playing in the park.
The DA now demands that the municipality institutes an investigation into the matter. It is not just a matter of trying to cover up the exposed cable, it is a matter of criminal accountability.
This is not the first time that DA Councillor van Niekerk has reported the exposed cable, and not the first time that the Siyancuma Municipality has grossly neglected its legal responsibilities. Shockingly, this is also not the first time that a child has been electrocuted by the very same exposed cable in the park.
In addition to addressing the gross negligence of the municipality’s electrical team, I will further ask the Northern Cape MEC of Health, Maruping Lekwene, to investigate concerns raised regarding sub-optimal care received at the Hester Malan hospital after the child was electrocuted.
According to his parents, the child was not properly examined after the incident and was only given ointment. After arriving home, his leg apparently would not stop shaking whereby it was discovered that he had burnt a hole into his foot, through his shoe. The child was rushed to a private hospital in Kimberley, where he was admitted and is now recovering.
The situation of an exposed power line, that shocks children, after being brought to the legal attention of the Municipality by its own Councillor, cannot escape criminal accountability.
Children continue to play in the park, and are still at risk today.
The DA will continue to fight for Municipalities and local governments which care, and governance that doesn’t harm or kill the residents it is intended to benefit.
Regards
Dr Delmaine Christians, MP
Constituency Head of Diamond South