Menlo Park substation fire risk ignored for nearly a year
Dry tree branches left unchecked for almost a year around a Menlo Park substation have residents worried about a potential fire hazard.
Menlo Park residents are becoming increasingly concerned over dry branches piling up inside a local substation, warning of a looming fire hazard that could endanger surrounding properties.
Ward 83 councillor Siobhan Muller said she has received multiple complaints from residents living near the 4th Street substation about the dry vegetation and tree debris that continues to be ignored by the metro.
The delay in addressing the hazard has left residents feeling exposed and frustrated, as the winter dry season heightens the risk of ignition in areas with neglected vegetation.
“The branches were cut almost a year ago, and to date, they have still not been removed,” said Muller.
“If that grass and those branches catch fire, both the substation and the adjacent properties are at serious risk.”
Despite repeated requests from Muller, the metro has yet to take action.
She criticised the lack of urgency from the metro’s side, calling the situation unacceptable.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed the matter was indeed reported by residents.
He acknowledged that the metro is aware of the fire risk posed by the current conditions.
“The city has taken cognisance of the condition of the said area,” said Mashigo.
However, he did not provide a reason for the lengthy delay in attending to the issue beyond citing internal and resource constraints.
“The site would only be serviced month’s end, as part of the city’s vegetation and substation maintenance schedule.”
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