Power outage sparks tension over tree removal in East Town
A tree has become the epicentre of frustration as East Town residents face a prolonged power outage.
Residents of East Town have been left without power since August 8, following damage caused by a large tree that has become a point of contention between City Power and City Parks.
Each entity is blaming the other for the ongoing issue, while frustrated residents bear the brunt of the situation, said Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker.
Read more: Planned power outage to affect Blackheath, Risidale, and Northcliff
Jonker expressed her concern for the community, stating: “Children in the area are crying because of no power. They do not understand. It’s cold. It’s winter.” She urged Johannesburg Water, City Power, and City Parks to come together to discuss the tree issue, emphasising the need for collaboration to resolve the problem.
A City Power contractor confirmed that the tree had grown so large that its roots had damaged an underground medium voltage cable, leading to the prolonged power outage.
Nadim Hassan, a resident of Waterval, praised Jonker for her efforts in addressing the situation, but lamented the challenges faced by residents. “It’s sad that we, as residents, have to come to a situation like this.” He noted that many in the area are irate over the lack of power.
@caxtonjoburgnorth The tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) working on removing the roots of the tree stump that caused a power outage since August 08 in East Town on August 11, 2025. #Northcliff #poweroutagetips ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
In a related incident, while work was being done to address the tree stump, a tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) attempting to make a U-turn, driving over an island on De Wet Street, and colliding with a motor vehicle coming down the street.
Two individuals in the vehicle sustained injuries, but refused medical attention at the scene.
Officials from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), City Parks, SCP Security, and City Power were present to manage the situation.
The publication will remain on scene for further developments.
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