Following your article detailing damage caused by a tree that fell on a person’s wall in Webb Street, Northmead, I would like to know what is the legal obligation of the municipality where damage of this nature is caused?
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READ: Woman’s fear realised when tree crushes her wall
In common with other residents of Rynfield Estate (opposite the Bunny Park), I live near one of the most heavily wooded areas in Benoni.
I appreciate the shade offered by the tree-lined streets, although I have noticed that many of the older trees show both dead and misshapen branches.
There have been several instances where these have broken up into the streets and, without pruning to balance growth, further instances are inevitable.
Your report makes it clear that any complaint to the Parks Department must be in writing.
Failure to act that results in damage should allow some legal action for compensation.
I placed a phone complaint to the Parks Department requesting pruning of some branches left after one broke and caused damage to my gate – this I repaired at my cost, but the longer items could well reach my house.
How could property owners ensure lack of service results in expense to the municipality?
Editor’s note:
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the resident would not be compensated because it was a “natural disaster that occurred”.
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