Overgrown trees interfering with overhead electricity lines have become a growing concern in Lynnwood South, Ashlea Gardens, Lynnwood North, Menlo Park, and parts of Waterkloof, with residents warning that neglected vegetation could pose safety risks and contribute to future power outages.

Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller said tree trimming is urgently needed in several streets throughout the affected suburbs.

“Tree trimming is needed in many streets, including Lynnwood South, Ashlea Gardens, Lynnwood North and 12th–15th Streets in Menlo Park,” she said.

Muller said inspections in some areas revealed trees growing directly into overhead power lines, while other infrastructure issues have also become apparent.

According to Muller, you can see where things are starting to grow into the wires, and it even looks like birds have built nests around the cables.

“There are also trip switches that are left open and exposed to the weather,” she said.

She also criticised the condition in which some new water meters had been installed.

“You can also see how badly the new water meters have been installed and the damage they leave to paving and surrounding infrastructure. It’s horrible,” Muller added.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the metro is aware of complaints about trees interfering with overhead power lines in the affected suburbs.

He said inspections have already been carried out to determine the extent of vegetation encroaching on electrical infrastructure.

However, Mashigo said investigations found that recent electricity outages experienced in these areas were not primarily caused by vegetation.

“An investigation instituted revealed that the recent outages experienced in these areas were primarily caused by the theft of overhead conductors,” he said.

Although the metro clears vegetation around overhead power lines, Mashigo acknowledged that resource limitations have created a significant maintenance backlog.

He added that while some of the affected suburbs have recently received maintenance, the metro prioritises trees that directly interfere with or pose an immediate risk to overhead electrical infrastructure.

Mashigo encouraged residents to assist by maintaining trees on their own properties to prevent branches from reaching power lines.

He said residents can report trees interfering with electricity infrastructure through the metro’s call centre or by contacting their ward councillor.

“Each report is assessed before being added to the vegetation management programme according to its priority and the availability of resources.”

Mashigo said that where vegetation is identified as the cause of an electricity outage, pruning is carried out during repair work.

He said planned vegetation management will also continue within the limits of available funding and staffing.

However, Mashigo said the city is currently unable to provide a specific timeline for trimming trees in Lynnwood South, Ashlea Gardens, Lynnwood North, Menlo Park, and Waterkloof.

“The problematic areas have been identified and will be included in the city’s maintenance programme. Priority will be given to areas that are most affected,” he said.

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