Community safety groups in Brooklyn and the greater Old East area have acquired an industrial-grade chainsaw to better deal with fallen trees that have become increasingly common during recent storms.

CPF Sector 4 chair Mike Michaelides said strong winds and heavy rain have led to numerous trees falling across roads, often leaving residents and motorists stranded for days.

Michaelides said many trees fall due to storms.

“People have been using domestic saws to cut them down, but these are not suitable for large trees,” he said.

Michaelides explained that the Old East Safety Forum initiated the purchase of an industrial cutting machine for the Brooklyn community after bad weather highlighted the need for stronger equipment.

He explained that community members donated most of the funds, while a shortfall was covered through contributions from Brooklyn CPF Sector 4.

He recalled an incident where a fallen tree blocked a major road for four days.

“We had to wait for the power to be switched off before we could cut it, but our chainsaws were not strong enough. Fire services and forestry eventually helped, but it took almost six days,” he said.

Michaelides said the new chainsaw will allow quicker intervention when trees fall, reducing safety risks and disruption.

He added that the equipment will be available to the entire Brooklyn area and not only Sector 4.

He added that plans are in place to store the chainsaw at a petrol station in a cage secured with a keypad, with users expected to return it in the same condition.

Old East Safety Forum representative Guido Urlings said the investment significantly strengthens the forum’s ability to respond to downed trees across the greater Pretoria Old East area.

“Until now, our response capacity relied on a smaller, privately owned chainsaw made available by one of our members,” said Urlings.

“The addition of this larger, more capable saw allows us to address multiple incidents more efficiently and safely, while avoiding excessive strain and wear on privately owned equipment.”

Urlings said arrangements are being finalised for the safekeeping, maintenance and responsible shared use of the chainsaw to ensure it remains in good condition and continues to serve the community.

He encouraged residents to continue reporting fallen trees blocking public roads via existing CPF or security WhatsApp and Telegram groups so that the appropriate response can be activated.

The Old East Safety Forum expressed its appreciation to the anonymous donor and Brooklyn CPF Sector 4, saying the collaboration reflects a strong commitment to community safety and practical solutions during emergencies.

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