Petition highlights ongoing risk of storm-related power disruptions
Tshwane officials have acknowledged limited resources and equipment, confirming that tree cutting is prioritised only where overgrown branches directly interfere with overhead power lines.
Ward 101 Councillor Malcolm de Klerk has launched a petition urging the metro to trim branches that frequently fall onto power lines, causing extended power outages.
De Klerk said that with the rainy season fast approaching, most power lines are likely to be affected.
“We, as the Ward 101 community, are requesting urgent action from the City of Tshwane to cut and trim trees along the various overhead power lines,” de Klerk said.
He emphasised that timely maintenance is crucial to prevent damage to power infrastructure.
De Klerk pointed out areas such as Mooiplaats, Zwavelpoort, Donkerhoek, Boschkop, Olympus, Pretorius Park, and Shere in dire need of attention.
“Every rainy season, residents experience widespread outages across the East. I am hoping the metro will be proactive, cut the trees, inspect the lines so that residents do not endure the same problems every time it rains,” he added.
De Klerk stressed that the petition is intended to pressure the metro to take responsibility and act promptly to prevent recurring outages.
However, the city responded by pointing to resource challenges and personnel shortages as causes for the tree pruning delays.
“The city is experiencing challenges with resources, including a shortage of personnel and specialised machinery/equipment. As a result, tree pruning is conducted within limited resources and according to a priority list,” said spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
Mashigo added that the operational team’s priorities are pruning in areas where trees/overgrown tree branches are interfering with overhead lines.
“According to the approved city’s maintenance standard operating procedure and national rationalised specifications guidelines, vegetation management is scheduled twice yearly for both rural and urban overhead lines,” he explained.
Mashigo stressed that for the current financial year, a pruning schedule has already been finalised for both urban and rural areas across the entire region.
“However, due to limited resources, priority will be given to trees that are interfering with overhead lines with a potential for service disruption. The maintenance schedule will be shared with all the ward councillors in advance, and consumers will be notified before the planned power shutdown.”
He explained that as part of the preparation for the rainy season, the city has commenced with tree cutting and trimming on overhead line servitudes in some areas, including Elarduspark and Lynnwood Glen.
“The focus is on areas with overhanging branches, weak or dead branches and leaning trees that could pose a potential hazard of touching the overhead lines during strong winds or heavy rainfall.”
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