Tree pruning blitz in north gets warm welcome
Residents of Pretoria North have expressed their appreciation following the recent tree pruning operation conducted along Rachel de Beer Street as part of the Tshwane metro's ongoing ReASpana campaign in Region 1.
The initiative, aimed at revitalising public spaces, improving service delivery, and promoting safer communities, saw teams trimming overgrown trees and clearing debris that had long posed safety and visibility concerns along one of Pretoria North's busiest corridors.
Patricia Molefe of West Street said they have been complaining for months about trees blocking traffic signs and making it hard for pedestrians to walk safely on the sidewalks.
Molefe said this is the first time in a while the residents saw real action, and it makes a difference.
The ReASpana campaign was launched to restore service delivery and bring basic maintenance services back to the forefront.
In Region 1, which includes areas like Pretoria North, Soshanguve, and Akasia, potholes were repaired, grass cut, illegally dumped material removed and trees pruned.
Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer said it was important for trees hanging over power lines to be cut, as they are one of the main causes of power trips.
'Overgrown trees not only make our suburbs look neglected, but they also present real hazards, especially near intersections, streetlights, and pedestrian crossings.
'This work is about more than aesthetics; it's about reclaiming safe and functional public spaces.'
He urged residents to continue reporting tree pruning so that the metro can deliver.
'Tree pruning is very important, especially when we are approaching windy and summer seasons. A lot of our power failures are a result of tree trunks hanging over the electricity infrastructure.
'Last week, on the corner of West and Rachel de Beer streets, we had two power failures because of overgrown trees,' said Meyer.
Rachel de Beer is a very important road, linking residential, commercial, and school zones in Pretoria North.
In recent weeks, residents have raised concerns over falling branches which obstructed traffic lights and made it hard for motorists to navigate this road.
'I am happy about the pruning, but let this be the beginning of a consistent effort. We want to see our entire neighbourhood being looked after.
'This is a step in the right direction. Cleaner surroundings attract more foot traffic, and when the area looks well-maintained, people feel safer,' said Lawrence Khoza.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said its energy and electricity section has implemented an annual tree pruning plan to lessen the impact of overgrown plants on power infrastructure.
'Regular inspections are conducted by dedicated electricity teams to identify and address any hazardous trees that could pose a risk to power lines.
'The metro's annual tree pruning programme, along with an emergency tree pruning plan, is in place to manage and mitigate such risks.
The ongoing schedule aims to prevent future outages caused by tree growth.'
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