Tshwane to ensure trees do not interfere with power lines
A structured annual tree pruning schedule has been put in place for tree maintenance across the region, including Pretoria North.
The Tshwane metro has outlined proactive measures such as maintaining its trees from branching out on to electrical infrastructure to combat power outages in Pretoria North.
The measures will particularly deal with trees that interfere with power lines and need pruning.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro’s energy and electricity section had implemented an annual tree pruning plan to mitigate the impact of overgrown vegetation on power infrastructure.
“Tshwane has established a structured annual tree pruning schedule that addresses tree maintenance across the region, including Pretoria North.
“This plan ensures that all necessary resources and timelines are aligned to manage and maintain trees near power lines effectively,” said Mashigo.
Mashigo told Rekord that regular inspections are conducted by dedicated electricity teams to identify and address any hazardous trees that could pose a risk to power lines.
In light of recent power outages, Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer has highlighted that some trees near power lines have indeed been contributing to these disruptions.
“The recent outages in West Street were caused by the palm trees at the corner of West Street and Rachel de Beer and they needed to be trimmed,” said Meyer.
Mashigo said the metro’s annual tree pruning programme, along with an emergency tree pruning plan, is in place to manage and mitigate such risks and the ongoing schedule aims to prevent future outages caused by tree growth.
The metro has advised residents to keep their trees well-maintained and away from electric power lines.
“However, it’s important to note that not all power outages in Pretoria North are caused by tree interference.
“The metro’s tree pruning programme is designed to address most issues, although other factors may also contribute to outages.”
Tshwane has fostered collaboration with local utility companies and welcomes contributions from the business community and the Community Upliftment Precinct (CUP) to enhance service delivery.
Mashigo said the metro’s long-term strategy focuses on consistent pruning and adherence to the annual maintenance schedule.
“This proactive approach aims to minimise the risk of future power outages across all regions.
“Residents are encouraged to participate in tree management programmes and can engage with their local councillors or the regional head to get involved in ongoing initiatives.”
He said Tshwane also has policies and regulations governing tree planting and maintenance near power lines.
“While current policies are enforced through the tree pruning plan, the metro remains open to reviewing and updating these regulations as needed to better manage the risks associated with tree-related power outages,” said Mashigo.
To ensure the effectiveness of the tree pruning schedule, the metro is set to monitor the implementation of the plan through daily Integrated Urban Management activities.
“While resources and personnel are adjusted to address critical challenges, the metro continues to allocate budget and resources to tree maintenance and power line management.”
Residents can report concerns via SMS to 44676 or through the online portal at https://powerfailure.tshwane.gov.za.
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