Frustration is mounting among residents of Ward 82 as untrimmed trees continue to encroach on overhead power lines, contributing to repeated and prolonged electricity outages across several suburbs.

A petition calling on the Tshwane metro to urgently trim trees throughout Ward 82 was submitted in December last year, but residents say there has been no response from the metro and no visible action on the ground.

The affected areas include Menlo Park, Ashlea Gardens, Alphen Park, Maroelana, Hazelwood, Waterkloof and Lynnwood.

Resident Janco Fourie, who started the petition, said the lack of response has left communities feeling ignored.

“The petition was submitted last year in December. Unfortunately, residents have not had any response from the metro, nor have the overhead trees been cut,” said Fourie.

“These trees interfere with power cables and lead to outages and damaged infrastructure. That creates serious safety and security risks because there is no lighting, and people are left vulnerable.”

The petition urges residents to include the suburb, street and crossing streets where tree trimming is needed, in an effort to help the municipality prioritise problem areas.

According to the document, untrimmed trees not only disrupt electricity supply but also place additional strain on already fragile infrastructure, leading to longer restoration times after faults occur.

“Regular maintenance would reduce both the frequency and duration of outages and improve overall safety in the area.”

Fourie has encouraged residents to continue supporting the petition and to clearly indicate problem streets so that pressure can be maintained on the municipality. He said communities are willing to co-operate but need visible action from the metro.

Ward councillor Siobhan Muller said she has repeatedly raised the issue with the metro, but the situation has worsened over the festive season and into January.

“I have asked the metro several times to cut the trees. Electricity issues have worsened from December to January,” Muller said.

“The chief operating officer has indicated that there is a backlog and that they are doing their best, but it is not enough.”

Muller said the impact on residents and businesses has been severe.

“Some residents have been without power for nine days, while businesses have gone without electricity for up to 14 days. In one case, a property has had no electricity for two months,” she said.

At the time of publication, the metro had not responded to questions regarding the status of the petition, current tree-trimming schedules or timelines for addressing the reported problem areas in Ward 82.

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