A Brackendowns resident is in hot water after it was confirmed that she unlawfully ring barked three municipal trees.
A concerned resident in the area, Dough Holmes, informed the RECORD about the suspected illegal activity.
“My attempts via the customer service website were not very effective and a follow up with the ward councillor in January this year has not yielded any answers either,” Holmes explained.
Also read: Pavement trees belong to council
Holmes said he found it very strange that it was just three trees and not a whole row of trees that were ring barked.
“This would have indicated the removal of alien vegetation with the perspective of replacing them with indigenous trees perhaps. I would not have had an issue with this.”
According to Holmes the trees bring aesthetic value to the area. “Brackendowns looks pleasant with trees on the pavement; these trees have been here since I moved in over 18 years ago and are not easily replaceable,” Holmes said.
Also read: Chopping off trees in New Redruth
RECORD informed the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) about the ring barked trees. Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson, said the Parks Department and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) conducted an inspection.
“It was found that three trees were ring barked. The owner was requested to submit identity documents to allow officials to issue a fine to her, but she refused to co-operate. Therefore a request has been sent to the EMM’s Finance Department to assist by adding the fine to the owner’s rates and taxes account, said Gadebe.
Related articles:
• Another tree bites the saw dust
