Dry branches in Menlo Park substation spark fire concerns
According to Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the trees can pose potential danger to the substation's 132kV power lines and conductors.
Menlo Park residents face a potential fire hazard due to dry branches encroaching on the local substation.
Councillor Siobhan Muller has expressed concern over the metro’s handling of the situation, stating that trees were left unremoved within the substation yard despite her repeated requests.
“The metro finally cut down the trees, but they left them there,” Muller said.
“I’ve been asking them to remove the trees, as they can burn the substation and affect a large part of Menlo Park.”
Muller added that it’s even more dangerous now that “we are experiencing heatwaves”.
However, Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo disputed claims that there are trees on the premises of the substation.
He said the trees hang over the fence from neighbouring properties.
“There are no trees in the substation yard. The trees are hanging over the fence from the neighbours.”
Mashigo confirmed that a request had been made to trim/cut the encroaching branches.
He said that the trees can pose a potential danger to the substation’s 132kV power lines and conductors.
“The trees pose a risk if they touch the power lines or conductors, which could cause multiple problems,” Mashigo explained.
“The Tshwane metro has a servitude maintenance plan in place, with monthly inspections to prevent breakdowns and potential fires.”
According to Mashigo, there are no fire incidents that previously occurred near the substation due to the trees.
He said the department has a servitude maintenance plan and inspection that is done monthly.
“The trees encroaching or posing danger are cut/trimmed to prevent breakdowns.
A team is scheduled to trim/cut the encroaching trees on October 10-12 [2025], as part of the department’s existing and operational maintenance plan.”
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