A Nyanga pensioner is having sleepless nights because of a neighbour’s tree that is not only shedding leaves into her yard, but is also severely affecting her power supply.
Nombulelo Maswana (80) says the tree is so high that its branches hang on top of her backyard flat.
As a result, it also touches electricity cables to her house.
Maswana claims that in the past the tree caused her power supply to trip and had to hire an electrician to fix the problem.
Maswana told City Vision she reached out to the councillor without any success.
She alleges that she also informed City Parks but was told it was a private matter, meaning it fell out of the council’s control.
Maswana says all she wants is for the neighbour to cut down the tree before it caused more harm.
“I am being victimised here at my age. I pay rates every month and I don’t deserve this treatment,” she says.
“The branches are so big, I don’t even want to think what the roots are doing. The municipality needs to get this sorted because this land belongs to them,” she claims.
Maswana alleges that she also reported the matter to the local street committees and the neighbour reportedly pleaded poverty and unable to hire a person to chop down the tree.
“At the townships kufuneka unyamezele anything but I am not that type. That tree needs to be rooted out completely,” says Maswana.
With the December holidays fast approaching and a traditional ceremony on the cards, Maswana is worried about the welfare of the visitors.
“I will have many people coming from all over and I don’t want to see them in darkness. This tree issue is worrying me a great deal, and something needs to be done, I should not have to live without electricity while I pay my rates every month,” she says.
Beverley van Reenen, Mayco member for energy, said a City of Cape Town team will visit the property and provide feedback.
“Mrs Maswana’s neighbour is encouraged to trim the tree growing on the property to prevent it from interfering with power lines. The City trims vegetation growing in public spaces and on City property,” she said.