Da Rocha thanks the community
The storm caused trees to topple into the streets around Ward 66.
Busi Vilakazi
Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha is proud of how the community came together in a time of need.
“The weather has lately been acting up, with heavy rains and winds. On March 5 we saw heavy rains that caused damage in the area, but the community came together to clean up the mess that was caused by the trees that fell into the road,” said da Rocha.
“I was touched when the residents came together and assisted me in cutting up the trees that fell into the streets,” said da Rocha.
The storm caused trees to topple into the streets around Ward 66.
A tree fell on top of a car in Kitchener Avenue and another one fell on top of a car in Bez Valley.
Another two trees fell in Kensington, on Nottingham Road and Protea Street.
No one was injured during these incidents, but the fallen trees did block the roads.
“The department that is responsible for cutting trees was overwhelmed on the day because many trees fell across Joburg. I had to make a plan, which was going and cutting these trees myself.
“The beautiful part was that residents were more than willing to assist me, which showed the spirit of ubuntu – a community working together to make sure we get the trees off the street,” said da Rocha.
He said he is concerned about the dying trees.
“I have noticed in the area that many trees are dying. The roots are rotten. I am extremely concerned that at the rate the trees are falling in the area, in a few years we won’t have many trees left.
“I feel that a tree should be planted wherever a tree falls or dies,” said da Rocha.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has been creating awareness about the dying trees and the invasive polyphagous shot hole borer beetle that is threatening the man-made forest of the City of Joburg.
