Ward 2 residents welcome initiative to combat power outages

Pretoria north residents have expressed their satisfaction with the Tshwane metro’s proactive tree pruning aimed at reducing power outages caused by overgrown vegetation.

Tree pruning targets trees that interfere with electrical infrastructure that have recently bedevilled areas such as Wolmer, Florauna, Pretoria North, and Dorandia in Ward 2.

It has been lauded as a positive step towards addressing the frequent power disruptions that occur, more especially during recent severe weather conditions.

Trees that grow too close to power lines have long been a concern in the area, particularly during storms and heavy winds when branches damage electrical cables, leading to extended power outages.

With the metro’s new initiative, residents are hopeful that these disruptions will be minimised.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the Energy and Electricity department launched the programme to ensure problematic vegetation near power lines is regularly trimmed.

“Tshwane has established a structured annual tree pruning schedule that addresses tree maintenance across the region, including Pretoria North.

“The plan includes dedicated inspections to identify hazardous trees before they cause damage,” said Mashigo.

Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer acknowledged the role of tree interference in the area’s recent power outages.

He noted that the outage in West Street was a result of interference from an overgrown palm tree.

“These trees were contributing to the disruptions, and the metro’s quick response was crucial,” said Meyer.

The metro’s comprehensive approach includes both an annual tree pruning schedule and an emergency tree trimming plan to handle urgent cases.

This dual plan is designed to not only address immediate risks but also prevent further outages by keeping vegetation well-maintained throughout the year.

For residents, the metro’s efforts provide welcome relief as power outages during stormy weather have been a recurring issue, disrupting daily life and damaging electrical appliances.

Ben Viljoen Steet resident Sam Mofokeng expressed his optimism about the new plan.

“Every time there’s a storm, we worry about losing power for hours, if not days.

“Knowing that the metro is now regularly pruning trees near power lines gives us some peace of mind.”

While tree interference is a significant cause of power outages, Mashigo said it is not the sole reason for disruptions in Pretoria North.

However, the tree pruning initiative is expected to address a major portion of the problem.

The metro has also encouraged residents to take part in tree management by keeping trees on their property well-trimmed and reporting any concern about overgrown vegetation near power lines.

The metro is closely monitoring the implementation of the pruning plan through its Integrated Urban Management activities.

Resources and personnel are being allocated to tackle critical challenges as they arise.

“The metro continues to allocate budget and resources to tree maintenance and power line management,” added Mashigo.

In addition to the pruning programme, Tshwane is working with local utility companies and community organisations, including the Community Upliftment Precinct (CUP), to improve service delivery.

Residents can report any concerns regarding tree-related outages via SMS or through the metro’s online portal.

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