Residents in Rowhill were left frustrated when calls to the metro’s emergency numbers went unanswered.
Rowhill CPF chairman Dr Tim Wickins says on New Year’s Day, a palm tree in Cowles Street, Rowhill, was struck by lightning and caught fire.
“There was a grave risk that a lapa or the home itself could have been set on fire by falling embers,” says Wickins.
He says calls were made to the following numbers, with little success:
• 10177 rang, no answer
• 011 458 091 rang, no answer
• 011 999 8574 rang, no answer
• 011 811 9544 didn’t ring
• 10111: “You have been placed in an automatic queuing system.We are experiencing heavy call volumes.”
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The home owner also drove to the Springs Central Fire Station at the corner of Welgedacht Road and found nobody there.
Luckily for the home owner, the fire was extinguished by neighbours.
The metro failed to respond in time for comment. However, The Addie will follow up on this matter.
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