Trees to make way for super billboard
Last week residents questioned both the legality of the sign as well as the environmental impact it will have.
Residents in Bedfordview have urged the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) not to give the go-ahead for more trees to be cut down at Gillooly’s Farm.
The call comes after a request was made to trim trees that would obstruct the view of the 90m super billboard under construction at the farm.
A St Andrews resident who did not want to be named said because of the size of the sign, her and other residents will be subjected to a view they never had a say over.
“If they succeed in their request to ‘trim’ the trees, we will be be left vulnerable to the carbon dioxide emitted by the many cars that use the highway on a daily basis. We will also have full view of this gigantic billboard,” said the resident.
Ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys said trees play an important role in society.
“More especially the trees along the highway. They absorb gas emitted by cars driving along the highway. So if with each sign that goes up, we lose trees, like we did when the Essexwold board was put up, it will have a serious impact on the quality of air our people breathe and the quality of life in the long term will be affected,” said Clr Humphreys.
Last week residents questioned both the legality of the sign as well as the environmental impact it will have.
They also demanded answers on why permission was granted without public participation.
One resident also called on the community to boycott the brands whose adverts will be flighted on the board.
Asked for comment, EMM spokesperson, Mr Themba Gadebe said the structure was approved in June 2015.
As to whether due processes were followed, Mr Gadebe said EMM was guided by the terms of the provisions of the Ekurhuleni Police Services By-law (2003) Chapter IV. “Therefore the correct processes were followed upon approving the structure at Gillooly’s,” said Mr Gadebe.
The NEWS is in possession of a document between officials that calls on action to be taken.
Clr Humphreys said according to the by-laws, the maximum size for an advertising sign in EMM is 81 square metres.
“This one, however, is way over the limit and therefore, it is in contravention of by-laws,” she said.
Residents have since signed a petition calling on the municipality to take action.
