Residents of Ekurhuleni are reminded to observe the metro’s tree management and protection by-laws.
This follows recent reports of residents transgressing the by-laws by removing trees outside their properties.
Anyone convicted of transgressing the by-law is liable to a hefty fine or imprisonment.
The metro’s tree management by-law was designed to protect trees, regulate cutting and ensure the replacement of trees that are removed.
According to Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson, no person, other than a municipal official, may cut, trim, prune or remove trees with low-hanging branches obstructing traffic and signs, as well as trees hanging on overhead electric cables.
Residents may, however, contact the metro to request pruning, trimming and removal of trees located on their pavement or property line if those trees are seen to be causing a public nuisance.
“Only the parks and cemeteries division can give permission for the removal of a street tree, and only if the division cannot remove the street tree themselves,” said Gadebe.
The by-laws apply to council property, all public areas including sidewalks and areas controlled by the municipality.
Although the by-law does not apply to trees growing on private property, the municipality may order the owner or occupier of the property to prune or remove any tree or plant which interferes with overhead wires or is a source of annoyance, danger or inconvenience to people using a public road.
“Failure to remove the interference and comply with the metro’s written notice to remove the tree branches causing a public nuisance, the municipality may do so at the expense of the person on whom the notice was served.
“Punishment for those who disregard or transgress the by-laws, according to the Ekurhuleni metro’s Street Tree By-Laws, anyone accidentally or willfully removing a tree or trees on metro property will be charged the value of the tree or trees.
“Any other contravention of the by-laws is punishable by a fine of up to R2 000 or a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment or both and may be imposed upon sentencing for each and every offence.”
- Contact
Residents of Boksburg can send an email to liezl.vermaak@ekurhuleni.gov.za to request that a tree is removed or pruned.
For all areas in Ekurhuleni, residents may contact the call centre on 0860 543 000.
Residents can also report illegal tree removals to the municipality’s call centre. -@MthuphaFanie
