Rand Water is gearing up to install a new pipeline in Senderwood on March 2, where 47 trees will be removed.
Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys said the pipeline along Civin Drive has been there since the 1950s and believes it hasn’t been in much use by surrounding residents.
“The servitude does not directly supply the Senderwood community. I believe it supplies to communities in the direction towards Sandringham,” said Humphreys.
Humphreys believes there is no need to remove the trees, as the trees on Civin Road is not directly on top of the servitude.
She said an alternative method to installation should be found, without removing the trees.
Humphreys, with the community, environmental specialists and contractors, had a public participation meeting on the installation of the pipeline recently at Saheti School.The outcome of meeting was to re-plant the trees elsewhere in the community.
She said due to the installation costing within millions, there is a social responsibility and a donation given to the community.
R10 000 was offered to the community towards replanting the trees elsewhere.
“I haven’t received any confirmation regarding the donation for replanting the trees,” said Humpheys.
Humphreys added severe climate change is a challenge at the moment and trees cannot be removed and not replaced.
“The affects of this is going to be colossal. The area is going to look a mess as well. Something needs to replace the trees, ” said Humphreys.
Another concern from Humphreys is the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) beetle. She believes some of the trees may be affected.
“Once these trees are cut, the PSBH may spread to other trees. I have brought this to their attention as well,” said Humphreys.
Humphreys has also expressed her concerns to Ekurhuleni City Parks.
“They unfortunately do not have the budget to remove and replace the trees themselves,” said Humphreys.
Justice Mohale, media relations manager at Rand Water, said the contract was awarded in May 2019 and installation of the pipeline will commence on March 2, 2020.
He said the installation will cost R17-million.
“We estimate the work will be completed in October 2020,” said Mohale.
He said residents in Civin Road will be affected by the installation.
A portion of the existing pipeline needs to be replaced due to sever defects, as per Mohale.
“The portion has several leaks, requiring it to be replaced,” said Mohale.
He said the new pipeline will have no leaks and considerably reduce the amount of unaccounted or wasted water.
Concerning the 47 trees up for removal, Mohale said the trees were originally planted within the Rand Water servitude, on top of the existing pipeline, which now needs to be removed.
“Rand Water is working with Ekurhuleni City Parks and other affected parties concerning the removal of the trees.
“Their relocation will be agreed upon prior to any of them being removed,” said Mohale.
Mohale said the project has obtained a general authorisation permit from the Department of Environmental Affairs.
“The permit includes a detailed environmental management plan that regulates the activities within the specific environment and of the surrounding areas,” said Mohale.
