Strong winds uproot trees in Ward 1 as more bad weather is predicted

Several big trees have been uprooted across the metro as a result of strong or gale force wind recently.

In Monte Vista two giant trees also fell as a result.

Residents are cautioned against such incidents as bad weather is still being predicted for the coming days across most parts of the Western Cape.

Tyrel Painczyk, chair of the Monte Vista/Plattekloof Glen Ratepayers’/Residents Association, says it is that time of the year when trees sadly do fall, especially in high winds. The association and other role-players attended to the two scenes recently.

Two mature trees fall

“At about 05:00 on Saturday 3 June a resident woke with the thud of a mature Pepper Tree falling over in Wagenaar Street in Monte Vista. There was a terrible storm the night before with high winds which was a contributing factor, as well as root pruning whilst we repair the pavements.

“Thankfully it was early and there was no damage to vehicles, property or injury. With the assistance of a few residents we were able to start cutting back the tree to clear the road. The traffic services and roads and stormwater staff arrived mid-morning on what would have been their fifth call-out in Ward 1 and then assisted in clearing what was left.

“At around 05:00 on Sunday 4 June in Visagie Street another mature tree fell after high winds that afternoon. I was on the scene within a few minutes and the City’s team were on site soon after to cut back and clear the tree making sure the road was clear for school traffic the next morning. Again no damage to property, vehicles or injury,” says Painczyk.

The City of Cape Town’s traffic services department secured the scene after a huge tree fell in Wagenaar Street, Monte Vista, to ensure a safe environment for staff and motorists while the tree was being removed off the road.

Werner Pretorius, a resident, helped with sawing the fallen tree into smaller pieces to start moving it.

The tree that fell across Wagenaar Street, Monte Vista.

Painczyk urges residents to immediately call the City of Cape Town’s emergency line on 021 480 7700 from a cell phone, 24 hours a day to log a call so that the teams can attend to the damage. You can also call 107 from a landline.

All services on site, said councillor

Cheryl Visser, ward councillor, says she is well aware of the huge tree that “dangerously” fell across Wagenaar Street, due to high winds.

“A few residents got involved and assisted sawing the tree into smaller pieces to get the obstruction out of the road.

“The City’s tree team were on site when I got to the scene. They helped move the tree to the side of the road and make the road safe to use. The traffic services department were also on the scene,” says Visser.

Visser adds that where trees fall or are a threat to infrastructure, residents must immediately report the matter.

“A service request reference number will then immediately be sent to them and the operational team from the City’s recreation and parks department will then come out to assist as soon as possible.”