The Tshwane metro is facing a significant backlog in tree pruning across parts of Lyttelton Manor due to limited resources.

Residents have raised concerns over the lack of pruning, particularly along Hans Strijdom and DF Malan avenues.

According to the city, limited resources continue to hinder the completion of routine maintenance tasks.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo told Rekord that tree pruning is part of the city’s regular maintenance schedule, but admitted that capacity constraints have caused delays.

“The city is currently in the process of acquiring the necessary resources to strengthen its maintenance operations and address the backlog,” said Mashigo.

He confirmed that the city has received reports of overgrown trees interfering with power lines in the affected areas.

Following these reports, maintenance teams conducted site inspections and pruned any hazardous trees identified.

Mashigo explained that the responsibility for monitoring and maintaining trees near power lines lies with the metro’s energy and electricity maintenance unit.

“The city prioritises tree pruning through regular inspections aimed at identifying hazardous trees along overhead power lines. These are then incorporated into monthly maintenance schedules.”

However, Mashigo acknowledged that the response is slow due to the backlog. Efforts are underway to ensure that high-risk trees are addressed more promptly.

He also highlighted the metro’s ongoing inspections to monitor storm-related risks, with a focus on maintaining trees that could disrupt electricity supply or pose safety hazards.

“Plans are in place to improve capacity through the procurement of chainsaws and pruning equipment, which will enable more frequent and proactive maintenance in areas such as Lyttelton Manor,” stated Mashigo.

While the city works to resolve the backlog, Freedom Front Plus councillor Wesley Jacobs has taken a hands-on approach to address the issue, noting the delays have directly impacted residents.

Jacobs revealed that some trees in the area have not been pruned since as long ago as 2015 or 2017, describing the situation as a growing concern for the community.

“Residents are frustrated, and as a councillor, I feel responsible to intervene where possible,” he said.

He identified DF Malan and Hans Strijdom avenues as some of the worst-affected areas, along with parts of wards 57 and 79.

Jacobs warned that inadequate tree maintenance often leads to electricity disruptions during storms.

“Overgrown trees can shift in strong winds, snag power cables or even fall onto infrastructure, causing significant inconvenience and additional financial strain on taxpayers,” he said.

In response to these challenges, Jacobs has been actively involved in assisting with tree pruning efforts.

On March 17, he joined community members and the city’s electricity team on Turkoois Road to clear trees following a cable theft incident and prepare the area for new cable installations.

Earlier, on March 14, Jacobs and his team carried out tree pruning work on Selborne Avenue and Warren Road.

“We addressed an issue that had long been overlooked due to the backlog. We did the best we could with the resources available.”

Jacobs emphasised that his efforts are driven by a commitment to improving living conditions for residents, many of whom have expressed frustration over the lack of progress.

“One resident, who has been complaining for years, said they are considering moving. I told them moving won’t solve the problem. Councillors need to remember their duty to the community,” he said.

Jacobs added that he strives to leave each area he works in better than he found it and has committed himself to improving conditions across affected parts of Lyttelton Manor.

ALSO READ: Highway traffic preparations underway for Easter period

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel