Falling tree damages properties on 3rd Avenue
Residents of 119 on 3rd Avenue reflect on their devastating loss after a tree fell on top of their houses.
Residents of 119 on 3rd Avenue are reeling from the devastating damage to their houses after a huge tree fell on top of their roofs on March 28.
The fallen tree left in its wake broken furniture and a dangerously leaning electric pole with low-lying electric cables.
Resident Simphiwe Dlamini said they had been concerned about the tree for some time.
Read more: City of Johannesburg Mayor unveils ambitious plan to plant 200 000 trees in Johannesburg
“We were concerned about it falling, but we would only speak among ourselves that we needed to put together money to have it cut down. We did not reach out to anyone in the city to cut it, I do not want to lie. Part of it once fell and hit an electric pole, and City Power came and fixed it. So, we were concerned, but had always thought we would cut it down ourselves,” she said.
Also read: JCPZ stresses urgent need for residents to report tree hazards following heavy rains
Another resident, Mbongiseni Mazibuko said it destroyed almost all their valuables and left them with nothing.
“Everything got damaged, and it is hard. The wardrobes, beds, TVs, and cupboards were all damaged. It is messed up. We are appealing to anyone to help with anything they can,” he added.
Dlamini added, “It damaged at least five houses and a single room. But mine is not that bad, it damaged my roof. Inside, it only damaged my TV and cupboard.”
Dlamini said after the incident, they contacted City Power to repair the electricity pole and City Parks to remove the fallen tree.
On April 9, City Power cut the electricity to the houses and started repairs, and City Parks began removing the tree.
However, Mazibuko said City Parks employees did not complete the job.
On April 15, City Parks reported that it had deployed a team to clear the rest of the tree.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Related article: How to make a popcorn tree
