DBNLM sparks to clean up fallen trees

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Due to the strong wind last Thursday evening, different areas in Graaff-Reinet experienced power outages as cables were damaged by fallen trees and branches.

Edwardine Abader, Acting Media Liaison Officer of the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (DBNLM), said they received about 83 complaints relating to the power supply by Thursday night and it continued on Friday.

She said the Electrical Department of the DBNLM restored about 80% of the power supply until 02:30am on Friday and continued to restore supply to individual affected households by Friday early afternoon.

In the town area - and more specific Plasket Street - temporary repair to electrical infrastructure was required. Within the Horse Shoe area, various streets were blocked by large fallen trees. And in Umasizakhe seven households were affected by roof damage.

This majestic tree blocked Somerset Road after its was brought down by the heavy wind.

The Disaster Management Officials, assisted by the Sarah Baartman District Municipality’s Disaster Management Team, conducted an assessment of the damage but costs will still have to be quantified.

Clean-up operations continued immediately on Thursday evening and on Friday the Municipality was assisted by SANparks and all wood from fallen trees were delivered to informal settlements within Graaff-Reinet.

The mayor, in his weekly media statement - From the Mayors Desk - commended the efforts of the municipality and the community and thanked all officials and community members who worked round the clock to assist where required.

The DBNLM is in the process of revitalising the Tree Committee to develop an integrated operational plan for the removal of dead trees.

Disaster management officials cleaning up after another tree was knocked down by the wind.