The Gauteng government has urged residents to put safety first as wet and cold conditions continue across the province.
Provincial spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the government was particularly concerned about risks faced by households as they seek to keep warm in the coming days, including illegal electricity connections.
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This comes as the City of Johannesburg battles to keep the power grid stable amid increased demand brought on by the inclement weather.
Mhlanga appealed to residents to exercise extreme caution when using heaters, braziers and paraffin stoves to keep warm.
“We urge residents [to] prepare for rainfall and very cold temperatures, with temperatures expected to drop to around 3–4°C in some parts of the province. The combination of rain, cold conditions and wet roads may create additional risks for motorists, pedestrians and vulnerable communities. The provincial government is particularly concerned about the risks faced by households seeking alternative ways to keep warm during the cold weather,” Mhlanga said.
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Dimakatso Leshoro
www.ewn.co.za
