Tree branches damaging powerlines and roots causing water pipe bursts are a growing concern for residents in the north of Pretoria.
Recently, maintenance teams tackled parts of Pretoria North where high tree branches threatened power lines.
“During storms or strong winds, we often experience power outages due to the power lines being damaged by fallen branches,” explained ward councillor Yolanda Duvenage.
“Maintenance teams have already started work to ensure that we don’t experience any power outages during the rainy season.”
A resident in Sinoville, Jaco Venter, said this week the ‘root’ of concern for him was the ever-growing roots damaging his neighbour’s property.
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“There is a huge tree growing next to my house that has already caused considerable damage to my neighbour’s wall,” said Venter.
“I’ve been reporting this issue since last year when the roots started to lift the pavement. It is now pushing my neighbour’s wall into my fence.”
MMC for utility services Darryl Moss told Rekord recently that the Tshwane metro was increasing its workforce to attend to maintenance throughout the city.
“In the past we lacked cherry-pickers [scissor lifts] to cut the trees in our urban areas. The plan is to hire more skilled workers to see to the maintenance of our city.”
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Moss said replacing old water pipes would also resolve the issue of tree roots causing blockages or water pipes to burst.
“The problem with the old asbestos pipes is that they crack, which causes small leakages,” said Moss.
“The water leaking from the pipe will then attract roots.”
Moss said even though the metro was stepping up its maintenance in residential areas, it was a process and would not be achieved overnight.
Water leaks and other complaints should be reported to the metro for urgent attention.
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