Frequent power outages in Waterkloof attributed to untrimmed trees
Frustrated residents in Waterkloof say untrimmed trees cause blackouts whenever there is a gust of wind, while years of unanswered pleas to the city leave them in the dark.
Residents of Waterkloof in the east are growing increasingly frustrated with frequent power outages, many of which are attributed to overgrown trees interfering with power lines.
According to residents along Julius Jeppe Street between Heloma Avenue and Dely Road, they have been living with the fear that the next gust of wind will once again plunge their area into darkness.
Their frustration is rooted in what they say is a failure by the Tshwane metro to respond to demands for routine tree pruning.
Resident Ian Fuller said they have lived in Waterkloof for years, and this has been an ongoing issue.
“I have personally reported the problem and requested on multiple occasions that this be done.
Despite escalating it to city representatives, I have received no response for over a year.”
Fuller said that in the past two years, his household has endured at least a dozen power outages, most of which could have been prevented if the trees hanging over the power lines had been properly trimmed.
“Every time the wind blows, the power goes off,” he said.
“The trees continually interfere with the power lines. It’s unacceptable, especially after so many unanswered requests.”
Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller confirmed she has received similar complaints.
“The trees were trimmed before, but they have grown again,” Muller said.
“I urge residents to report the need for tree trimming to the city via customercare@tshwane.gov.za.”
According to Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, metro records show no complaint for this specific location.
However, he confirmed that they will be cutting down the trees on Tuesday.
“A request has been scheduled for tree pruning on April 15,” Mashigo said.
“The regional maintenance team, in collaboration with the Electricity Unit, has a programme focusing on pruning trees near or over power lines.”
Mashigo said the interfering trees in the area will be attended to.
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