ALBERTON – New Redruth residents were furious to see contractors cut down a tree that was approximately 40 years old and trim another without the council’s permission on Monday November 10 .
The wide and tall Telawarren Street trees were cut by contractors who were convinced the owners of the property had permission when confronted by the RECORD.
One of the contractors said the owner told them that permission was obtained to cut and trim the trees, but Mandla Mtsweni from Metro Parks later made it clear there no permission was given and that no person should cut trees by themselves, even if they planted the trees themselves.
EMPD and Mandla attended the scene where the owners of the rebuilt and refurbished property received a R500 fine, which neighbours said it is nothing compared to the true value of such an old tree.
DA Ward 37 Councillor Bruna Heipel said: “This happens all the time in Alberton, but we discourage it. R500 is just a small price to pay. The council is working on a Haliwell system, which is not yet put to use but it will help issue fines based on a tree’s age, size, height and kind.”
The system has been discussed for a while now according to Cllr Bruna Heipel and Ward 37 committee member Cornielia Rudman.
“The contractors are misinformed in such situations. They are told that there is permission, but actually there is no permission. R500 is nothing to pay for such an old tree,” Cornielia Rudman added.
