Senderwood residents can now rest easy as only 17 trees will be removed due to the installation of a Rand Water pipeline within the area.
The NEWS reported in the March 4 edition, in the article Save the Senderwood trees, that a Rand Water pipeline installation threatened to remove 47 trees on Civin Drive in Senderwood, Bedfordview.
Justice Mohale, Rand Water media relations manager, recently said 17 trees will be removed as a result of the project.
Mohale added the decision was made as the project was being executed.
“We considered the availability of space within the servitude, and we also accommodated the concerns raised by the community concerning the removal of the trees. It was important we also considered all aspects which could compromise the pipeline?s design and its integrity.”
Mohale said the 17 trees will not be re-planted elsewhere, as formerly suggested. As the project is underway, he said residents will still be affected as previously mentioned.
“The activities involved with the laying of the pipeline will necessitate the closure of the road, which will result in traffic restrictions,” said Mohale.
Mohale said Rand Water is pleased only 17 trees will be removed.
According to Mohale, Rand Water received a response from Ward 20 Clr Humphreys on the new outcome.
“The councillor was invited to the site for inspection and indicated she was satisfied with the decision to reduce the number of trees to be removed,” said Mohale.
Humphreys said she is grateful for this outcome.
“Rand Water has gone out of their way to accommodate the outrage of losing all of those trees,” said Humphreys.
Additionally, Mohale said work is impacted by the lockdown regulations and may not finish in October as aforementioned.
“We have decided to review the duration of the project with a view for it to be extended.”
The decision on this matter will be communicated in due course, as per Mohale.
“South Africa’s level four management requirements and guidelines are being adhered to,” said Mohale.
He said the cost of the project still remains at R17-million.
“Pending the outcome of the pandemic impact, analysis on the execution of the project, the amount may be adjusted.”
