Residents spoke out after 11 old trees were allegedly ‘trimmed’ down by a private contractor to make way for the display of a billboard during the festive season.
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The tree branches were cut on the De Wet Street section.
It is alleged that the contractors were contracted by Village View Shopping Centre.
In an enquiry sent to the city, spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said they only became aware of the situation when it was reported to the councillor and subsequently to the department upon returning from the Christmas break.
He said no approval of such action was granted.
Residents questioned why only one section was meddled with if the overhanging branches did indeed pose a safety risk.
“The trees are council property. Surely this should be endorsed and authorised by the council only.
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“The fact that council had not trimmed the trees as they should have to allow the lights to show through better, or to lift the canopy because of the vehicles and buses that are going up and down, is a different story.
“This is all about a landlord believing they can take ownership of a public road and public infrastructure,” said resident Simona Panter.
This is not the first time an incident of this nature has occurred.
The city has since warned residents about violating the bylaws.
“Residents are prohibited by municipal bylaws from removing, trimming, or pruning any trees, not on their property. Anyone who removes or prunes city-owned trees without permission will be prosecuted.
“Municipal bylaw violations are penalised with a maximum fine of R2 000, or a prison sentence if found guilty, or both,” said Dlamini.
Outraged residents call for the city to enforce the bylaws against the perpetrators as they believe the trees are part of Bedfordview’s heritage.
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“We try to keep our small suburb neat and orderly, therefore, this goes against it. This is unacceptable because where does it stop?” asked Panter.
Village View Shopping Centre had not replied by the time going to print.
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